Phoenix Suns vs
Oklahoma City ThunderPredictions & Preview

Phoenix Suns Look to Bounce Back Against Oklahoma City Thunder Despite Roster Shortage

In this upcoming Western Conference matchup, the Phoenix Suns will be facing the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center. The Suns are coming off a tough loss to the Sacramento Kings, while the Thunder secured a win against the New Orleans Pelicans in their last game. Scheduled for a 8:10 PM ET tip-off, the Thunder opens as the betting favorite with a -6.75 line that has remained unchanged. Stay tuned for a detailed pick and prediction for the Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Suns +235 | Thunder -288
• Spread: Suns +6.75 (-110) | Thunder -6.75 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 226 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Oklahoma City will win straight-up is 74%.

Phoenix vs Oklahoma City Stats

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns struggled in a blowout loss to the Sacramento Kings, scoring only 48 points in the second half. Kevin Durant missed his third straight game with a calf strain, while Josh Okogie had a standout performance with 25 points and eight rebounds. The Suns were also without Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen. Despite the injuries, Okogie showed promise in leading the offense. The team's defense needs improvement, particularly in defending the three-point shot. Phoenix is currently 9-3 with a power ranking of 9, ranking 13th in offense and 18th in defense. They have solid shooting percentages but need to focus on defensive rebounds and limiting opponent three-point shooting to make a playoff run.

Oklahoma City Thunder Analysis

The Oklahoma City Thunder recently won their second consecutive game without star forward Chet Holmgren, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 106-88. Jalen Williams led the team with 31 points, followed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 29 points and Lou Dort with 11 points. The team utilized a 16-0 run in the third quarter to secure the win. Despite Holmgren's absence due to a pelvic fracture, the Thunder have adjusted their lineup to focus on guard-heavy play, resulting in fewer turnovers. However, the team struggled with rebounding, being outrebounded 58-31 by the Pelicans. In terms of power ranking, the Thunder rank third overall and are eighth in offense, averaging 116.42 points per game. Their defense is ranked second, allowing an average of 103.75 points per game. The team's shooting percentages are also solid, with a 46.45% field goal percentage, 81.43% free throw percentage, and 36.09% three-point percentage. Defensively, Oklahoma City excels in limiting opponent field goal and free throw percentages. Despite challenges in rebounding and turnovers, the Thunder maintain a strong record of 10-2 overall.

Devin Booker Struggles as Phoenix Suns Face Roster Shortage, Tough Matchup Against Oklahoma City Thunder

The Phoenix Suns are currently facing a roster shortage, with Devin Booker taking on the responsibility of compensating for the absence of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal due to calf injuries. Despite averaging 27.0 points and 8.0 assists in the first two games without Durant, Booker's performance fell below expectations on Wednesday night. The Suns will heavily rely on increased production from Booker in the upcoming weeks, especially considering they will be up against one of the NBA's top defensive teams on Friday - the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder boast an impressive 34% field goal percentage against opposing teams, ranking them fifth in the league defensively. With Phoenix attempting an average of 35 three-point shots per game, they will face challenges in scoring from beyond the arc against the Thunder's solid defense anchored by Jalen Williams and Shai. Therefore, it is recommended to consider betting on the Thunder for this matchup.

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