The Oklahoma City Thunder look to bounce back tonight against the Sacramento Kings from the Golden 1 Center.

To begin an arduous six-game road gauntlet, Oklahoma City’s latest performance was certainly less than ideal. The Thunder was stunned 96-86 by a Minnesota iteration currently occupying the Northwest Division basement.

Granted, young Minnesota is showcasing signs of improvement amid a three-game winning streak. However, Oklahoma City and Russell Westbrook appeared lethargic and confounded Friday evening while suffering one of the team's worst all-around outings of the season.

Opposite the Timberwolves, leading MVP candidate Westbrook again floundered from deep (1-of-10 3PM) and committed ten crucial turnovers. Westbrook is now 2-of-24 3PM in his last three contests.

Tonight, this inconsistency must be eschewed vs. the DeMarcus Cousins led Sacramento Kings. While Karl-Anthony Towns (29 pts,Oklahoma City would do well to spoil his more immediate plans by scheming for his unparalleled inside/outside potency.

As the Thunder allow a league-worst 33% FGA’s at the rim, it may be in OKC’s best interest to encourage the Cousins outside shot. Further, a spirited effort from Oklahoma City, especially on the interior, would go a long way in balacing their season series with the Kings.

GAME INFORMATION

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (24-17) vs. Sacramento Kings (16-23)

Time: 9:00 PM ET

Venue: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento CA

Television: CSCA, FSOK, NBA LP

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER KEYS TO VICTORY

Frustrate DeMarcus Cousins mentally and physically

Showcase renewed team energy

Establish physical dominance in the paint

Limit reckless Westbrook three-pointers

Exhibit discipline in the half-court offense

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

Overall, the Thunder has won three-of-four. Yet, in that aforementioned Nov. road meeting vs. Sacramento, OKC