Orlando Magic vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Oklahoma City Pose a Unique Challenge

• Paolo Banchero’s Orlando Magic are already 2-0 through the Vegas Summer League!
• Chet Holmgren looks to improve on what was an average start to his Vegas Summer League campaign
• This game will see the first and second overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft facing off

Magic vs Thunder Odds

Head-to-Head: Magic vs Thunder

Magic vs Thunder Predictions

Orlando Magic Game Notes

The Orlando Magic are currently 2-0 in the Las Vegas Summer League, owing to the diversity of their offence and their ability to take care of the ball. Having one of the leagues best one-on-one threats helps, but they’ll need to be more efficient from range if they hope to beat the Thunder.

After a 14 of 33 three-point shooting night in their first game, the Orlando Magic were a paltry 8 of 29 in their 2-point overtime victory over the Kings. Key wing players like R.J. Hampton and Caleb Houstan combined for just 2 of 9 shooting from three-point range.

Considering the Orlando Magic are running a rather pro-style offence with their Summer League team, their role players need to be more efficient with their opportunities. As a team, Orlando must capitalize on Banchero’s creation.

Magic Key Player: (F-C) Paolo Banchero

rook was hooping @Pp_doesit ?

23 PTS | 6 REB | 6 AST pic.twitter.com/nlklro39t5

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) July 9, 2022

Orlando Magic big man and number one overall pick Paolo Banchero has starred for the Magic through their Vegas Summer League run. While he’s shown a much wider skillset than his performance in college, his ball security has been a concern.

Banchero is coming off of a performance where he posted 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists on 6 of 15 shooting from the field. His ability to get to the line was on display, going 11 of 15 from the line on the night. Unfortunately, he committed 8 turnovers.

The Orlando Magic have allowed Banchero to take control of the Magic offence, but he should focus on the quality of his creation. If he can tone down his turnovers, it’ll greatly improve Orlando’s chances against the Thunder.

Oklahoma City Thunder Game Notes

The Oklahoma City Thunder ended up dropping their first game of the Las Vegas Summer League by a narrow margin. Despite having more time together as a team through other Summer League schedules, they struggled to finish.

In their last game, a loss to the Houston Rockets, the Thunder were unable to convert on most of their opportunities. They shot just 38.3% from the field and 17.4% from three-point range, while assisting on just 15 of their 31 field goals.

They were able to force 20 turnovers out of the Houston Rockets, but their lack of finishing failed them. Orlando’s defence hasn’t been the most stout through the Vegas Summer League, but the Thunder’s shooters need to be on point to keep them honest.

Thunder Key Player: (F) Chet Holmgren

BLOCKYFORCHETTY pic.twitter.com/BGdGRCB16d

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) July 10, 2022

One half of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s “Thin Towers”, Chet Holmgren looked excellent in his first couple of games through the Salt Lake City Summer League. In his first game against the Houston Rockets in Las Vegas, he struggled.

Chet Holmgren finished the Thunder’s 88-90 loss to the Houston Rockets with a rather average offensive stat line. He posted 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals in 29 minutes. He shot just 3 of 10 from the field, but was 6 of 6 from the free throw line.

It’s a good sign that Holmgren remains active on the defensive end, even if his offence isn’t going his way. The Magic have plenty of athletic defenders to send his way, so he’ll need to limit his mistakes – having turned the ball over 4 times last time out.

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