The Oklahoma City Thunder will play the second game of a back-to-back against the Phoenix Suns, who are undefeated through five games in the Orlando bubble.
Here is how to watch and stream the game:
Opponent: Phoenix Suns
Date and time: Aug. 10, 1:30 p.m. CT
How to watch: FOX Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, Fox Sports Go
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Matchups between the two this season
Oklahoma City has beaten the Suns in both games the teams have played against each other this season. Dennis Schroder scored 24 points and had six assists in both games, and Shai Gilgous-Alexander led the way with 32 in the first matchup.
The second matchup had an insane ending in which the two teams combined for 16 points over the final 24 seconds. Scroder scored 12 points in the fourth quarter to help the Thunder come from behind to win. On Monday, though, they’ll be without the backup guard.
Suns’ season
After playing improved, competent basketball during the season, the Suns burst into the bubble with five straight victories to stand as the final undefeated team. Devin Booker has a national spotlight after his buzzer-beater against the Los Angeles Clippers, but he’s not the only Suns player impressing.
Mikal Bridges has shown off as a menace on defense. Cam Johnson was seen by many as a reach as the No. 11 pick in the draft, given the fact that he’s older than Booker and that his upside rests on his 3-point skill, but shoot the 3 he does — in the starting lineup the last five games, he has made 37% of his 5.4 3-pointers per game.
Deandre Ayton’s performance may be a defining factor in the game. If he’s aggressive and attacks the rim, particularly if Steven Adams and Nerlens Noel are forced to miss another game, the Suns have an advantage down low. If he settles for the mid-range looks, the Thunder will happily take it.
Phoenix is on the brink of elimination and needs to continue winning. Oklahoma City is looking for its second win in a row to propel the team further from the sixth-place Utah Jazz.
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