The Paycom Center will host one of the most interesting duels in the NBA between the Thunder and the Bulls, two teams both vying for a playoff spot. On one side, the Thunder leads the Western Conference and already has a direct ticket to the Playoffs, while Chicago is just a few wins away from securing its spot in the NBA Play-In. A very interesting duel is expected between both teams, especially with baskets from all over the court, with a strong battle between Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, both former Thunder teammates but now leading each of these rosters. On the other hand, we also have the return of Alex Caruso to Chicago, a team where he was very important defensively but never made it to the postseason with the team. Another interesting duel on the court will be in the post between Nikola Vucevic and Chet Holmgren, as they are key players in the paint for their team.
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Players to watch?
The players to watch are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Thunder and Josh Giddey of the Bulls.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City point guard, is leading the team offensively as its top scorer and rebounder, averaging 31.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Shai is in great form and is taking advantage of the team's momentum to help the team fight to move away from the bottom of the Western Conference standings and have a chance to make the Play-In. Shai has a strong chance of being considered for the All-Star Game and could be a starter in February. Currently, he ranks third in scoring this season, trailing only Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Without a doubt, the point guard's connection with Alex Caruso and Luduentz Dort is bearing fruit for a team that has been under-represented but is well worth watching. A very interesting duel is expected between the two teams that will be in the postseason.
On the other hand, Josh Giddey, the Chicago guard, is the Bulls' star player and finished the season as the team's leading scorer and assist provider, averaging 21.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. The Bulls' newest star is back on the court and taking advantage of the team's strong momentum to reach the top of the Eastern Conference. After being considered a starter for the All-Star Game, he was considered one of the big players of the season and postseason due to his strong form. Without a doubt, the point guard's connection with Nikola Vucevic and Cabo White is bearing fruit for a team brimming with attention and hoping to reach the conference finals again.
Where and what time is the game?
The game will be held at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, the venue for this 2024-2025 NBA regular season matchup. This stadium has a capacity for 17,500 fans and was inaugurated in 2005.
The Thunder-Bulls matchup will take place on Monday, March 31st, with the following kickoff times in different countries:
6:00 PM in Mexico
8:00 PM in the United States (ET)
7:00 PM in Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru
8:00 PM in Bolivia and Venezuela
9:00 PM in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay
1:00 AM in Spain
All information on the 2024-2025 NBA season can be followed on VAVEL.