Thunder Gameday: Playing on National TV Against Heat

For the primary time because the NBA Bubble, the Oklahoma City Thunder will play on National TV. On Tuesday evening, the Thunder will take on the Miami Heat on TNT, marking their first sport on the large stage since September of 2020.

With how effectively Oklahoma City has been taking part in, the NBA flexed this contest to TNT and eliminated the sport between the Detroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers.

What can we count on tonight?

ODDS: 

The Thunder enter the day as 4.5-point underdogs to the Heat, and the whole over/beneath is 224.5 factors.

KEYS TO THE GAME: 

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to have an All-NBA sort of season, he has solely performed on native tv. As such, it’s protected to imagine he’ll look to have an enormous sport tonight on TNT in entrance of a nationwide viewers. He’s been a prime 5 scorer within the NBA this season and has been one of many major causes that Oklahoma City has shattered expectations.

With that in thoughts, it gained’t be a simple contest for Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. Miami boasts the eighth finest protection within the NBA. Against a tough-minded roster, he’ll must earn each level.

For the Thunder, Bam Adebayo can be a spotlight defensively to decelerate. With what number of gamers are harm for OKC, Kenrich Williams has been pressured to play a ton of heart minutes. With a participant of Adebayo’s expertise, an enormous evening may very well be coming.

Tonight may even be an important alternative for Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams to showcase their expertise in entrance of a bigger viewers. 

RECORDS: 

Oklahoma City Thunder (18-22) vs. Miami Heat (21-20)

WHEN: 

Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 at 6:30 PM CT

LOCATION: 

FTX Arena – Miami, FL

TV/RADIO: 

TNT, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

FINAL WORD: 

Following this contest, the Thunder will proceed their highway journey with a matchup towards the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Heat will keep residence to take on the Milwaukee Bucks that very same evening.

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