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Nets Vs. Thunder Preview: The Champs Roll In

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 9: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates his game-winning shot with his team at the end of regulation against the Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center on March 9, 2026 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. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MARCH 9: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates his game-winning shot with his team at the end of regulation against the Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center on March 9, 2026 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. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The beat

The opponent tonight is looking to make some history. The Golden State Warriors were the last team to go back-to-back, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to break the streak this year. They were on the road last night and held on to beat a good Orlando Magic team, 113-108. They’ve now won nine games in a row. The Nets not so much. They’ve lost four straight.

Where to follow the game

YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Gotham Sports on streaming. Tip after 7:30 p.m ET.

Injuries

Day’ron Sharpe and Egor Demin are out for the season. Michael Porter Jr and Ben Saraf are questionable. Nolan Traore and Terance Mann are probable.

The following are out for OKC, but the day is young.

  • Jalen Williams
  • Branden Carlsen
  • Thomas Sorber

Night two of a back-to-back so we’ll see if anyone else sits.

The game

The Thunder and Nets are the opposite ends of the NBA spectrum. One is the other’s role model. In fact, they are everyone’s role model. The other is in a race to the bottom. The hope is that model of good fundamentals, respect for character, a pick-laden draft hoard, and little luck can be replicated.

This year, the Thunder again have the be record in the league as the season enters its final month. They are a basketball machine, ruthlessly efficient. Take the win Tuesday night. They have won nine in a row. They outlasted the Orlando Magic in a 113-108 win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 40 points and five rebounds.

And it seems Sam Presti can do no wrong … literally. At the deadline, he sent the Thunder’s (late) first round pick this June plus three second rounders to Philadelphia for Jared McCain who was stuck behind Tyrese Maxey. McCain has exploded in OKC. In 17 games, he’s averaged 11.1 points on 47/43/91 shooting splits. And he’s only 22.

Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, the Nets are hoping they can somehow wind up succeeding in the rebuild game like the Thunder. They are at the end of pure rebuilding, looking as Brian Lewis did this week, for notable success in the next 18 months while at the same time husbanding assets. Marks actually has more draft picks than Presti at the moment.

Expect the game to be another parade of their youngsters: the four remaining members of the Flatbush Five — minus Egor Demin — and the three two-ways as Nets brass takes a long look at next year.

Player to watch: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The other night, after the Thunder had soundly beaten the Timberwolves, OKC’s head coach Mark Daigneault was asked about his MVP, AKA SGA.

“He’s just very selfless. He doesn’t care about anything besides winning and making the game easier for everyone else around him. He’s just a very smart basketball player. It’s rare for his skillset and IQ for the game at guys that size. Usually, the point guards are the guys with the IQ. But he has a steady head on his shoulders. He understands the game in a lot of facets and a lot of ends. From the day he’s been here, he’s made my life easier and as a team, our lives easier for sure.”

Add that to leadership, consistency and clutch and what you have is one of, if not already, the face of the NBA. The best basketball player Canada has ever produced (sorry, Steve!) is averaging 31.7 points, 6.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals with shooting splits of 55/39/89. Just Whoosh!

Nets fans should hope Sean Marks can find his duplicate!

From the Vault

Ones in the air for Kiki Shepard!

The longtime host of “Showtime at the Apoll0” passed on Monday in Los Angeles. The native Texan was a dancer and actress of some success before she moved into hosting music and other events, serving for 16 years as the host of Showtime.

More reading: OKCTHUNDERWIRE.com. SB Nation NBA, New York Post, New York Daily News, Clutch Points, Nets Wire, Steve’s Newsletter

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