After defeating one of the best teams out East in the New York Knicks Friday night 117-107, the Oklahoma City Thunder continue their incredibly difficult schedule with a game against the reigning NBA champions.
Ranked second in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics are one of the few teams that can matchup with the Thunder very well when it comes to star power, defensive prowess, and rotational depth.
Time and Location
The OKC Thunder will play the Boston Celtics in the Paycom Center today, Jan. 5, at 3:30 PM EST/2:30 PM EST as well as on NBA TV and FanDuel Sports Network – Oklahoma.
Lineups
For the Thunder, here is what their potential starting five should look like:
| Position: | Name: | Number: |
| Point Guard | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 2 |
| Shooting Guard | Lu Dort | 5 |
| Small Forward | Aaron Wiggins | 21 |
| Power Forward | Jalen Williams | 8 |
| Center | Isaiah Hartenstein | 55 |
As for the Celtics, here is what they should have as their unit:
| Position: | Name: | Number: |
| Point Guard | Jrue Holiday | 4 |
| Shooting Guard | Derrick White | 9 |
| Small Forward | Jayson Tatum | 0 |
| Power Forward | Sam Hauser | 30 |
| Center | Kristaps Porzingis | 8 |
Injuries
When it comes to the Thunder, Chet Holmgren (hip) and Nikola Topic (ACL) are out for today’s matchup. Alex Caruso is listed as day-to-day with his hip injury.
For Boston, Finals MVP Jaylen Brown is questionable with a shoulder injury and former Thunder center Al Horford is day-to-day with rest.
What to know
This early January matchup could very easily be a preview for what is to come in June. With the Boston Celtics and the OKC Thunder having the top-two odds when it comes to winning the NBA Finals, this game will lay the groundwork for what is to come.
For Boston, they lead the league in three pointers made (612) with nearly 50 percent of their shots coming from beyond arc (46.5%). Along with that, they also have the third best net-rating (10.8) and offensive rating (119.9) in the entire NBA.
With OKC having the best net-rating (11.9) and defensive rating (102.9) in the league along with the most steals per game (11.9) and deflections per game (22.5), the Thunder will have their hands full when it comes to preventing the Boston three ball.
With stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams going against Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, key rotational pieces in Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe facing Payton Pritchard, Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta, this game will show the NBA world who’s truly championship bound.
Sunday matinee in OKC ⛹️
🏟️ Doors open at 1PM
🎟️ https://t.co/2rewXNUUdn
📺 FanDuel Sports Network
📻 @sportsanimal pic.twitter.com/61JouEt10P— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 5, 2025
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