The Phoenix Suns (3-11) challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder (9-5) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 17, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – Arizona.
Oklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns Betting Prediction
In the Thunder’s last game, they easily covered the 8.5-point spread against the New York Knicks, 128-103. The game’s combined points (231) came in well over the O/U total of 213. The Thunder held the Knicks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.9 (below their season average of 26.5) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.621 (above their season average of 0.493). Oklahoma City was lifted by Paul George, who was the game’s leading scorer with 35 points on 13-for-22 shooting.
The Suns won big over the San Antonio Spurs in their last outing, 116-96, despite being 6-point underdogs. The game’s total points (212) came in just under the O/U total of 213. Phoenix’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over San Antonio. The Suns had a rate of 0.649 (above their season average of 0.507), while the Spurs posted a mark of 0.464 (below the 0.545 mark opponents have averaged against Phoenix this season). T.J. Warren was the game’s top scorer with 27 points on 10-for-17 shooting from the field.
The Thunder have emerged victorious in both games against the Suns this year, including a 17-point victory in their last matchup. Oklahoma City covered as an 8-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 219 points, which was just 4.5 points above the projected point total of 214.5 points. The Thunder had a much better turnover percentage (11.4 vs. 16.8) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.8 vs. 25.0). In the victory, George led all scorers with 32 points.
Oklahoma City heads into the game with records of 9-5 straight up (SU) and 9-5 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Thunder have no tendency in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Phoenix owns records of 3-11 SU and 6-8 ATS. Of the Suns’ 14 games, 8 have finished under the total.
Dennis Schroder has averaged 20.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals over the last five games for Oklahoma City.
Phoenix might have a difficult time finding the bottom of the net as they battle against one of the NBA’s best defenses. Oklahoma City ranks second in defensive efficiency while the Suns rank 28th in offensive efficiency.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns Free Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Suns, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Oklahoma City is 4-2 ATS on the road with 5 unders and 1 over.
At home, Phoenix is 5-3 ATS with 5 unders and 3 overs.
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Phoenix is 1-0 and Oklahoma City is 2-0.
The Thunder are 7-2 when they reach the century mark, while the Suns are 3-5.
Oklahoma City ranks first in points off turnovers per game (22.9) while Phoenix ranks 28th in points off turnovers allowed per game (22.5).
The Thunder average 11.4 steals per game, which ranks first in the NBA. The Suns rank 26th in steals allowed per game (10.3).
Oklahoma City ranks first in second chance points per game (17.6) while Phoenix ranks 26th (10.4).
The Thunder average 51.3 points in the paint per game, which ranks eighth in the league. The Suns rank 29th in points allowed in the paint per game (54.3).
Oklahoma City averages 15.2 fast break points per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Phoenix ranks 29th in fast break points allowed per game (19.9).
The Thunder rank 10th in assists allowed per game (23.0) while the Suns rank 27th (25.6).
Oklahoma City ranks ninth in rebounds per game (46.8) while Phoenix ranks 25th (41.1).
The Thunder rank 13th in blocks per game (5.6) while the Suns rank 28th (3.6).
Phoenix ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (28.4) while Oklahoma City ranks fifth (29.1).
Bettings Trends:
Over its last five outings, Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Phoenix is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Thunder’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.8, up from 5.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 101.4 points per game (0.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 110.6 points per game (2.8 below their season average).
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