The Brooklyn Nets (9-14) challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder (11-12) at Mexico City Arena. The game will air on YES Network at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 7, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 215 points with Oklahoma City set as a 7.5-point favorite.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Brooklyn Nets Free Prediction
In the Thunder’s last contest, they defeated the Utah Jazz, 100-94. The Thunder had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 31.6 (above their season average of 25.9) and had a free throw rate of 0.222 (above their season average of 0.188). Oklahoma City was led by Russell Westbrook, who recorded his sixth triple-double of the season. He dominated, accumulating 34 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds.
The Nets had no trouble getting past the Atlanta Hawks in their last contest, 110-90. Brooklyn’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Atlanta. The Nets had a rate of 29.3 (above their season average of 22.1), while the Hawks posted a mark of 18.4. With 16 points and 10 rebounds, Brooklyn’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson played well.
The offense of Brooklyn will battle against the elite defense of Oklahoma City. The Nets currently rank 19th in offensive efficiency, while the Thunder are fourth in defensive efficiency. The Thunder should have the advantage on that end of the court.
Oklahoma City comes into the game with records of 11-12 straight up (SU) and 7-15-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to set the total high when the Thunder are involved, as 15 of their 23 games have gone under the total.
Although Brooklyn struggles winning games outright (9-14 SU), they have a phenomenal 15-8 record ATS. Unlike Oklahoma City, games involving the Nets have a tendency to finish over the projected point total (56.5 percent).
Westbrook has averaged 25.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 2.4 steals over the last five games for Oklahoma City.
After the Thunder won both contests against the Nets last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, Oklahoma City won 122-104. The Thunder had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.7 vs. 11.4) and had a much better turnover percentage (11.1 vs. 17.6).
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Brooklyn Nets Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Nets, ATS Winner – Nets, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
When holding opponents under 100 points, Oklahoma City is 9-4 and Brooklyn is 4-0.
In games where they reach the century mark, the Nets are 7-13 and the Thunder are 9-5.
Oklahoma City ranks sixth in rebounds allowed per game (41.5) while Brooklyn ranks 29th (46.7).
The Thunder rank first in steals per game (10.5) while the Nets rank 23rd (7.3).
Oklahoma City ranks third in points allowed in the paint per game (39.8) while Brooklyn ranks 22nd (46.4).
The Thunder rank first in points off turnovers per game (20.4) while the Nets rank 19th (16.4).
Oklahoma City averages 4.9 blocks per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. Brooklyn ranks 26th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
The Nets average 33.9 three pointers per game, which ranks second in the league. The Thunder rank 16th in three pointers allowed per game (29.1).
Oklahoma City averages 14.2 second chance points per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Brooklyn ranks 16th in second chance points allowed per game (12.4).
The Thunder average 13.7 fast break points per game, which ranks sixth in the league. The Nets rank 15th in fast break points allowed per game (11.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Oklahoma City is 0-5 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Brooklyn is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Thunder have been outscored by an average of 3.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Oklahoma City has defeated opponents by an average of 3.2 points.
During their last five games, the Nets have scored an average of 104.4 points per game (5.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 102.6 points per game (9.7 below their season average).
