PREVIEW: The Oklahoma City Thunder, ranked first in forcing turnovers and allowing few shots at the rim, arrive in Charlotte on an impressive run. The Thunder enter as heavy favorites, favored by 15.5 points , and for good reason: they boast elite free throw shooting at 86.3 percent while defending the three-point line exceptionally well by forcing low-quality looks. The matchup takes place Saturday at 7 p.m. ET at Spectrum Center , with Oklahoma City sitting at 12-1 and riding a four-game winning streak. The Thunder benefit from a massive rest advantage, having enjoyed two consecutive days off while the Hornets are exhausted from an overtime road contest and back-to-back travel situation. Charlotte presents a contrasting offensive profile, with high spacing efficiency and a league-leading 45.2 percent three-point attempt rate , yet their defensive vulnerabilities loom large. The Hornets struggle with a high turnover rate, ranking 28th in the league , which plays directly into Oklahoma City's strengths. Charlotte turns the ball over at an alarming rate of 17 times per night, placing them at 28th in the league , and The Hornets' strong defensive rebounding (ranked 8th) helps offset their high turnover rate (ranked 28th). With the Hornets ranking 28th in turnovers and the Thunder excelling at forcing mistakes while also boasting elite free throw shooting , this matchup features a stark contrast between two teams operating on opposite ends of the efficiency spectrum.