The Oklahoma City Thunder (27-20) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they go head-to-head with the Washington Wizards (26-21) at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 25, 2018, and will air on TNT.
Oklahoma City is a 5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 213 points.
Washington Wizards at Oklahoma City Thunder Free Prediction
In the Wizards’ last contest, they were thoroughly outplayed by the Dallas Mavericks, 98-75. Dallas’ 0.500 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Washington, who had a mark of 0.347. The Mavericks’ mark was below their season average of 0.520, while the Wizards’ was below their season average of 0.523. Bradley Beal led Washington in scoring with 18 points on 4-for-14 shooting.
The Thunder won a close one over the Brooklyn Nets in their last contest, 109-108. The Thunder had an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 3.6 (better than their season average of 12.5) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 30.2 (above their season average of 28.0). Russell Westbrook was the top scorer from either team with 32 points on 12-for-27 shooting.
The offensive glass could be a huge edge for Oklahoma City in this matchup. The Thunder currently rank first in offensive rebounding percentage (28.1 percent), while Washington ranks 21st in defensive rebounding percentage (76.5 percent).
Washington comes into the game with records of 26-21 straight up (SU) and 20-27 against the spread (ATS). Wizards games tend to finish under the O/U total (55.3 percent).
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City is 27-20 SU and 18-28-1 ATS. Games including the Thunder also have a tendency to finish under the total (57.4 percent).
Steven Adams has averaged 16.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks over the last five games for Oklahoma City.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, the Wizards won 120-98. Washington had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.664 vs. 0.391). Oklahoma City, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.0 vs. 18.2).
Washington Wizards at Oklahoma City Thunder ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Washington is 12-11 ATS with 16 unders and 7 overs.
Oklahoma City is 9-14-1 ATS at home with 14 unders and 10 overs.
Oklahoma City is 17-5 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Washington is 13-2.
The Wizards are 23-10 when they reach 100 points, while the Thunder are 23-9.
Oklahoma City averages 14.6 second chance points per game, which ranks second in the NBA. Washington ranks 24th in second chance points allowed per game (13.4).
The Thunder rank first in rebounds allowed per game (41.0) while the Wizards rank 20th (43.9).
Washington ranks 10th in assists per game (23.1) while Oklahoma City ranks 25th (21.0).
The Thunder rank first in steals per game (9.4) while the Wizards rank 15th (7.8).
Oklahoma City ranks fifth in points allowed in the paint per game (41.7) while Washington ranks 17th (44.9).
The Thunder rank third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.2) while the Wizards rank 12th (15.6).
Oklahoma City ranks fifth in fast break points per game (14.1) while Washington ranks 13th (11.4).
The Thunder average 28.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 17th in the NBA. The Wizards rank 18th in three pointers allowed per game (29.3).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Washington is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Oklahoma City is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Wizards have been outscored by an average of 8.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Washington has defeated opponents by an average of 1.3 points.
During their last five games, the Thunder have scored an average of 113.4 points per game (8.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 100.2 points per game (1.2 below their season average).
