San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Preview & TV Info
By Dylan Carter
![OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- JANUARY 12: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 12, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- JANUARY 12: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 12, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fairalamo-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F1083167902-850x560-5acd139afdea93827e786626689c2786.jpg)
After splitting a back-to-back that saw LaMarcus Aldridge set his career-high in scoring, the San Antonio Spurs are set to host Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Following a botched Rodeo Road Trip, the San Antonio Spurs returned to form against the invigorated Blake Griffin and the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday evening. The competition will increase with triple-double machine Russell Westbrook and the OKC Thunder charging into town on Saturday night.
Spurs fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Brett Dawson of the Athletic Oklahoma City reported that the Thunder will sit MVP Candidate Paul George for the second consecutive game. It’s been a career year for the two-way phenom, who is posting an average of 28.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.3 steals per contest.
With PG13 out of the way, guard Derrick White can key in on his matchup against Westbrook.
Date: Saturday, Mar. 2
Time: 7:30 p.m. CST
Location: San Antonio, TX
Venue: AT&T Center
TV Info: FSSW-SA
Live Stream: FuboTV, NBA League Pass
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Aldridge has been on a tear as of late, scoring 50 points on 53.5 percent shooting over his last two games while blocking five shots. With the team in flux, LaMarcus has remained poised and composed as a primary scorer and rim protector. Drawing a difficult matchup in Steven Adams would normally harm Aldridge’s chances of taking over, but the 33-year-old has done an excellent job when guarded by Adams this year.
Stealing another win against a top-tier Western Conference opponent could prove tremendous in the final outcome of the regular season in San Antonio. OKC’s combination of speed, athleticism and spacing are sure to exploit the Spurs’ weak perimeter defenders. In order to claim the win, head coach Gregg Popovich must prepare the team to use their wits and high level of activity to disrupt the offensive flow of the Thunder.
Transition buckets can prove to be a determining factor in this matchup. Oklahoma City is a terrifying fastbreak team and the Spurs have been lackluster in that department, but some extra effort in the open court may separate San Antonio from its competition when the game reaches its climax.
Analyzing the implications of the Pau Gasol buyout. Next
In the home stretch of the season, the Spurs must elevate their play to secure playoff positioning.