Thunder vs. Heat (7:30 ET, NBA TV)
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat both know what it’s like to lose their franchise player. Unlike the Heat, the Thunder had a superstar ready to fill that void. Russell Westbrook looks to add to his MVP résumé as the Thunder face Hassan Whiteside and the Heat in the first game of our Fan-Night doubleheader.
Mr. Triple-Double
Russell Westbrook currently leads the NBA with 14 triple-doubles on the season, while the rest of the NBA has a total of 18. As a result, Westbrook currently ranks sixth all-time in career triple-doubles with 51, most among active players. Putting it in perspective, he more than doubles Miami’s 22 triple-doubles in its 29-year history. Westbrook’s versatile play does more than fill the box score, it typically results in a win. The Thunder are 44-7 when Westbrook records a triple-double, including 11-3 this season.
More Westbrook!
Prior to the Thunder’s game on Christmas, Westbrook became the first player since Michael Jordan in April of 1989 to record three straight 40-point double-doubles. He is also the first player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1964 to post three consecutive games with at least 40+ points, 10+ rebounds and 5+ assists. After the day off, Westbrook looks to get back on track as all five of his 40-point games this season have come after just one day of rest.
Even More Westbrook!
In the past 30 years, Russell Westbrook has the most amount of triple-doubles (18, 2015-16) in a single season. After just 31 games, Westbrook has recorded a whopping 14 triple-doubles which recently surpassed Draymond Green (2015-16), Jason Kidd (2007-08) and Grant Hill’s (13, 1996-97) 13 triple-doubles for the second most in a single season. Westbrook may be on pace to break his career single-season high for triple-doubles, but getting number 15 may be tougher than one thinks. The Heat have not allowed a triple-double at home since 2001-02 season.
White(side) Hot!
Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside has recorded seven consecutive double-doubles heading into the Fan Night Matchup. Whiteside is averaging 20.3 points 16.9 rebounds in that span, with 15 or more rebounds in six of the seven games. While his play continues to improve it has yet to impact the Heat’s win column. Miami is just 2-5 this season when he scores 25 or more points.
621 and Counting?
As previously mentioned, the Heat have not allowed a triple-double at home in 15 seasons. In fact, they currently boast the longest active home streak (621 games) without allowing a triple-double. The 621 games are second most all-time to the San Antonio Spurs that had a 679 game streak broken just last month. Will the streak continue? Or will Westbrook continue adding to his number of triple-doubles? Something has to give.
Jazz vs. Lakers (10:30 ET, NBA TV)
LA-LA Land!
After a 10-10 start, the Lakers seemed well on their way to surpass their 17-game win total of last season. However, since the calendar turned to December, the Lakers are just 2-12. After defeating the Clippers on Christmas Night, the Lakers look to win consecutive games for the first time since November 10-12.
Swaggy P!
Lakers guard Nick Young has shot the ball extremely well in his last 5 games, entering Tuesday’s matchup shooting 24-for-45 from 3-point range in that span. In four of those five games, Young has made at least five 3-point attempts. His most efficient game was against the Clippers where he scored 19 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field and 5-for-7 shooting from three. It was much needed, netting the only win in that five-game stretch and snapping a four-game losing streak.
Sweet Lou
Veteran sixth man Lou Williams leads the Lakers in scoring with 18.7 points per game. He’s scored in double figures in 32 of his 34 games this season and led the team in scoring on 18 different occasions. Williams play has stood out among his counterparts around the league, mainly because he’s the only bench player to lead his team in scoring this season. However, the more he scores does not guarantee a win. In fact, the Lakers are 0-8 this season when he scores 24 or more points.
The Right Note
The Utah Jazz are looking to get back in tune with their winnings ways after dropping three consecutive games. Prior to that stretch, Utah won 7 of 8 games holding opponents to 94.5 points per game. Now the Jazz seem to be the ones struggling to score being held to just 88.3 points per game during their losing skid. Defense will always be their key to success but they’ll look to get back on track tonight by eclipsing the century mark, something they haven’t done since December 16th.
Rudy! Rudy!
The Jazz typically runs their offense through Gordon Hayward, but their defense is anchored by Rudy Gobert. Gobert (12.5 PPG 11.9 RPG 2.6 BPG) is one of three players currently averaging at least 10 points 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. He leads the league in field goal percentage (69.8) and is second only to Anthony Davis in blocks per game. Gobert may not grab headlines but he’s definitely someone to keep an eye on at Staples Center tonight.
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Fan Night coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET on NBA TV
