With respect to the Oklahoma City Thunder and their rebuild, this game tonight still feels like a waiting room for the Phoenix Suns as they hold out for the real show—their Christmas Day bout with the Golden State Warriors.
But alas, the Thunder need handling first. Oklahoma City does find itself coming off three straight wins, surging even despite their 11-19 record. Those dubs even came against quality opponents such as the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Denver Nuggets.
Without much doubt, they enter this game against the Suns at their most confident point this season. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 22.7 points and 7.3 assists during those three wins, the Thunder might try and steal one before the big day.
Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder Odds, Moneyline, Over/Under
According to WynnBET, the Suns enter this matchup favored by a -15.0 point spread. Their money line odds are at -1500, and the game’s over/under currently sits at 213.0 points.
These numbers illustrate Phoenix as heavy favorites, completely tossing Oklahoma City’s win streak out the window. When you get down to it though, they feel fair with everything else considered.
Ultimately, the Suns stand atop the league with a 25-5 record, while the Thunder currently sit outside even the play-in tournament’s threshold. With a title contending team going up against a lottery-bound team, this is just what you get. OKC also playing this game as a latter portion of a back-to-back does not exactly help their case either.
Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder Lineups
The Suns are a rarity in the NBA right now, with zero players locked up in health and safety protocols (knock on wood). Without any injuries to their starting five, expect the usual group to begin the game.
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: Devin Booker
- SF: Mikal Bridges
- PF: Jae Crowder
- C: Deandre Ayton
The Thunder also resemble a fully intact squad right now. With the same group starting during their previous two of three wins, it makes no sense for them to switch things up.
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: Josh Giddey
- SF: Luguentz Dort
- PF: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
- C: Derrick Favors
Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction
Predicting the Thunder to win this game or even challenge the Suns feels like a strong reach, and something said only by those trying too hard to come up with a hot take.
Phoenix simply carries too much firepower for Oklahoma City to deal with. The Suns score the third most points per game in the entire NBA, while the Thunder score the fewest. Phoenix also carries more experienced players and general star talents to overpower Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Suns win this game while also covering their massive point spread, ending Oklahoma City’s win streak and putting them back in their place.
Final: Phoenix Suns 115, Oklahoma City Thunder 97
Phoenix Suns Up Next
Although already mentioned, Phoenix’s next game against the Golden State Warriors deserves double the attention.
With Stephen Curry and company nipping at the Suns’s heels with their 25-6 record, this game offers them a chance to reclaim their spot atop the league and go up on the season series 2-1. Also with the game occurring on Christmas, it ends a 12-year drought, which warrants its own celebration.