Phoenix Suns (9-3) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (10-2)
November 15, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Oklahoma City Thunder -7.5; Over/Under: +230.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Oklahoma City Thunder play host to the Phoenix Suns at the Paycom Center on Friday night. Here’s an Oklahoma City Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Prediction. This article will include an Oklahoma City Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Pick.
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have been one of the form teams in the league as they’ve won nine of their first 12 games overall, but they will be hoping for a better effort in this one after getting embarrassed by the Kings in a 127-104 road defeat on Wednesday. Josh Okogie led the team in scoring with 25 points on 10 of 15 shooting, Devin Booker added 18 points with five assists while Tyus Jones chipped in with 10 points and eight assists. As a team, the Suns shot just 37 percent from the field and 13 of 43 from the 3-point line as they struggled to keep pace with the Kings, falling into an early deficit that only grew as the game wore on because they just couldn’t find any consistent offense. Tyus Jones shot just three of 11 from the field, Royce O’Neale shot just two of 12 from the field while Jusuf Nurkic shot just one of seven from the field.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been in great shape as they’ve won 10 of their first 12 games overall and they will be aiming for a third straight victory after routing the Pelicans in a 106-88 home win on Wednesday. Jalen Williams led the team with 31 points, six rebounds, and seven assists on 10 of 18 shooting, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 29 points with five assists while Luguentz Dort chipped in with 11 points. As a team, the Thunder shot 44 percent from the field and 15 of 39 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 33 points in the first quarter to take the early lead, but it was their defense that earned them the blowout as they held the Pelicans to just 38 points in the second half to win easily.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win
- The Suns have lost each of their last 11 road games against Thunder teams that held a winning record.
- The Thunder have won each of their last nine home games against the Suns following a win.
- The Suns have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine night games against Thunder teams that held a winning record.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last seven games as favorites against the Suns.
Total Points Facts
- Fifteen of the Thunder’s last 16 home games against Pacific Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Eight of the Suns’ last nine games at Paycom Center have gone OVER the total points line.
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Facts
- Jalen Williams ranks 1st in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for steals per game (2.1) this season.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks T4th amongst qualified players for points in the paint per game (13.5) this season.
Phoenix Suns Player Facts
- Tyus Jones ranks 8th amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (5.6) this season.
- Devin Booker ranks T10th amongst qualified players for assists per game (6.8) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for point differential per game this season (+12.7).
- The Thunder rank 30th in the league for opponent rebounds per game this season (50.0).
- The Suns rank 29th for points in the paint per game (41.0) this season.
- The Suns rank 4th in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (4.1).
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Prediction
The Suns are still missing Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant with Jusuf Nurkic listed as questionable, while the Thunder are still missing Alex Caruso and Jaylin Williams. The Suns have done well to win nine of their first 12 games, but the injuries are catching up to them, so it’s just bad timing that they have to take on the red-hot Thunder now. The Suns have the firepower to make up for their poor defense when they are healthy, but while they are missing two of their best players, the better play is to go with the Thunder to take advantage at home.
