Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards jockeying for position in a Thunder-Wolves matchup.
What we know about Thursday’s games
-Oklahoma City and Minnesota renew Western Conference rivalry: These two teams have been near the top of the Eastern Conference standings for three years now, and they’ll match up in Minnesota here. It’s been a tight series over recent years, with these two teams trading off wins and losses in eight straight matchups. Minnesota won the most recent meeting on December 19.
-Detroit and Phoenix should be in for a defensive battle: These two teams have been two of the biggest surprises in the NBA, and it’s mainly due to their defenses. The Pistons rank second in both points allowed and defensive efficiency, while the Suns sit fifth in points allowed and seventh in defensive efficiency.
-Charlotte and Dallas look revived: The Hornets have been one of the best teams in the NBA recently, coming into this matchup amid a four-game winning streak. They’ve also recorded a double-digit victory in 10 of their last 11 wins, winning by an average of 25 points per game. Dallas has also looked improved, coming into this matchup winning four of their last six fixtures.