THUNDER WELCOME TEST BY RAPTORS

Defence and fast-break points key to clash between NBA champs and in-form Toronto

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Thunder swingman Kenrich Williams has figured more for the NBA champions following injuries to players such as Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, Ajay Mitchell and Aaron Wiggins.

(PHOTO: IMAGN IMAGES)

The Oklahoma City Thunder were dominant against the Eastern Conference last season, losing just one inter-conference game in the National Basketball Association (NBA) regular season.

While the Thunder have not been bad against the East this season, they have not been as commanding as they were a year ago.

Oklahoma City go into their Jan 25 (Jan 26, Singapore time) home game against the Toronto Raptors having dropped two of their last four games against Eastern Conference opponents, including the 117-114 home loss to the struggling Indiana Pacers on Jan 23.

The Thunder are 9-3 against the East overall.

Oklahoma City had plenty of success early this season without Jalen Williams in the lineup.

Now, they are once again learning how to play without Williams, who suffered a hamstring strain on Jan 17 in Miami and will miss at least two weeks.