The Oklahoma City Thunder will play host to the Utah Jazz in game 2 of their Western Conference playoff matchup on Wednesday night. The Thunder held off the Jazz in game one, winning by a score of 116-108. Oklahoma City comes into this series as the 4th seed, while the Utah Jazz are the 5th seed.
This series should be highly contested throughout, with most experts agreeing that it could come down to a game 7. Oklahoma City is looking to use their home court advantage to take a 2-0 series lead. The Utah Jazz are desperately trying to steal a game on the road, before heading back to Salt Lake City. The Oklahoma City Thunder -4 over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.
Oklahoma City’s Big 3 Have Playoff Experience
The Oklahoma City Thunder constructed their roster to be ready for the playoffs. Russell Westbrook is still the main guy, but he is now joined by former all stars Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. Russell Westbrook had another record breaking regular season, where he averaged a triple-double for the second straight year.
Paul George was ready for his first playoff game as a member of the Thunder. George tallied 36 points in the series opening victory. Look for the “Big 3” of Oklahoma City to continue to have monster games throughout. Westbrook just missed a triple-double in game one, but should achieve this feat in game 2. The Jazz simply don’t have an answer for the explosive Westbrook.
Utah Jazz Need More Help for Mitchell
Rookie shooting guard, Donovan Mitchell, had a terrific regular season and he picked up right where he left off in Game 1. Mitchell scored 27 points while also grabbing 10 rebounds to lead the Jazz. Utah is going to have to find other players to step up and help Mitchell if they want to win game 2.
Power forward, Derrick Favors, scored just 7 points in 30 minutes in game 1. Favors, along with point guard Ricky Rubio, will need to pick up their scoring in game 2. The Jazz must also find a way to contain Russell Westbrook and Paul George.
Thunder Will Take 2-0 Lead
Donovan Mitchell is a little banged up from game 1, and he won’t be able to carry the Utah Jazz offense as he normally does. Utah had a terrific regular season, but struggle to find scoring options when the game slows down. Russell Westbrook is also a matchup nightmare for them to try and defend. Jazz head coach, Quin Snyder, will have to employ a new scheme if his team has any chance of defending him.
Oklahoma City knows that they were put together to win playoff series, and their “Big 3” was ready to go in game 1. Westbrook and George know that the Jazz don’t have anyone that can stop them defensively, and will be extremely aggressive again in game 2. Oklahoma City will defend their home court and will take a 2-0 series lead over the Utah Jazz. Bet on the Oklahoma City Thunder -4 over Utah Jazz on Wednesday.
