Russell Westbrook / Thabo Sefolosha / Kevin Durant / Jeff Green / Nenad Krstic
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Rodney Stuckey / Richard Hamilton / Tayshaun Prince / Austin Daye / Ben Wallace
Matchup
Just like last season the Thunder head to game two of the season to face the Pistons in Detroit.
Some interesting matchups here. Detroit has decided, somehow, that starting 200 lb. SF Austin Daye at PF would be a good idea. Probably a fantastic matchup for Jeff Green and one that can be exploited at both ends. Russell Westbrook gets to contend with a big sort-of PG in Rodney Stuckey, and Thabo gets to chase around Rip Hamilton.
Detroit seems like a team in search of an identity. They have a ton of perimeter players but are probably even more interior challenged than even the Thunder. I don't see the Pistons being able to capably defend all our scoring threats, and as long as the defense stays in front of Stuckey I don't see them getting many easy shots.
Some Numbers
The Thunder played a very fast game against Chicago on Wednesday. The Thunder only played 20 games faster last season, and the team has generally picked the pace up in the preseason as well. It will be interesting to keep track of this as the season goes. It's probably benefiical for the Thunder to push the pace as long as the turnovers stay down.
A Question
Does Cole Aldrich get some run in this one? Does Brooks stick with small ball?
