The Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns meet Saturday in NBA Game 3 at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Here’s a Suns vs. Thunder Prediction. This article will include a Suns vs. Thunder Pick.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder have a chance to all but end this series with a win and 3-0 lead. The Thunder have won 26 of their last 31 games.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are averaging 119.5 points on 46.2 percent shooting and allowing 95.5 points on 40.5 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31 points and 8 assists, while Jalen Williams is averaging 20.5 points and 4 rebounds. Chet Holmgren is the third double-digit scorer, and Ajay Mitchell is grabbing 5 rebounds. The Oklahoma City Thunder are shooting 32.6 percent from beyond the arc and 85.4 percent from the free throw line. The Oklahoma City Thunder are allowing 34.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 47 rebounds per game.
Phoenix Suns Betting Preview
The Phoenix Suns need a win to make this series somewhat interesting. The Suns have lost 13 of their last 20 games.
The Phoenix Suns are averaging 95.5 points on 40.5 percent shooting and allowing 119.5 points on 46.2 percent shooting. Devin Booker is averaging 24 points and 6.5 rebounds, while Dillon Brooks is averaging 22.5 points and 6.5 rebounds. Jalen Green is the third double-digit scorer, and Royce O’Neale is grabbing 6 rebounds. The Phoenix Suns are shooting 34.3 percent from beyond the arc and 77.5 percent from the free throw line. The Phoenix Suns are allowing 32.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.5 rebounds per game.
Why the Phoenix Suns will win
- The Suns have won each of their last nine home games against Western Conference opponents following a loss.
- The Thunder have lost each of their last five playoff games as road favorites following a win.
- The Thunder have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven playoff road games following a win.
- The Suns have covered the spread in five of their last six games against Western Conference opponents following a loss.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win
- The Thunder have won each of their last 10 Western Conference First Round games.
- The Suns have lost each of their last eight playoff games.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in 11 of their last 12 road games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Suns have failed to cover the spread in 10 of their last 11 playoff games as underdogs.
Total Points: Facts
- Each of the Suns’ last four Western Conference First Round home games has gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Thunder’s last four games against the Suns following a home win has gone OVER the total points line.
Phoenix Suns Player Facts
- Devin Booker has scored 30+ points in three consecutive appearances—the equal-longest active streak of any player in the league.
- Collin Gillespie ranks 19th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per game (2.9) this season.
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Facts
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the only player in the league to have recorded 15+ assists without a turnover in a game this season.
- Chet Holmgren ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for blocks per game (1.9) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Suns have suffered the largest comeback loss when leading through Q3 this season—led by 18 points vs. the Hawks on November 16.
- The Suns rank 30th in the league for Q4 points per game this season (25.8).
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for point differential per game this season (+11.1).
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for opponent field goal percentage this season (43.7%).
Suns vs Thunder Injury Report
Mark Williams is out for the Suns. Grayson Allen and Jordan Goodwin are questionable.
The Thunder will be without Thomas Sober and Jalen Williams. Isaiah Joe is doubtful due to personal reasons.
Suns vs Thunder Prediction
The Thunder have outclassed the Suns through two games and this is the one series out of the eight that doesn’t appear to have much hope. It would shock nobody if the Thunder blew the doors off yet again. However, there’s some hope for the Suns with the injury to Williams and seeing Joe listed as doubtful.
There’s also a chance Allen plays for the first time, giving the Suns another scorer. If the Suns can’t take advantage of the injury report at home, there’s no hope. Also, let’s not give up on the Suns just yet, as they are 48-35-3 ATS on the season. It’s now or never. Give me the points.