At press, the OKC Thunder (21-17) are just 7-11 straight up and 6-12 against the spread when playing on the road. Bettors are taking note as the Thunder enter this game against the Phoenix Suns (15-25) this Sunday. When playing at Talking Stick Resort Arena, the Phoenix Suns are 7-14 SU and a little itty bit better at 8-12-1 ATS.
The OKC Thunder finished their California campaign by taking down the LA Clippers at Staples Center with a 127-117 win.
On the night, Russell Westbrook pulled in yet another triple double, with 29points, 12rebounds and 11assists for his 13th T-D of the 2o17-18 season. Someone please put this guy on a championship calibre team. That’s not to say the Thunder aren’t deep enough to go the distance. Paul George added 31 points on 12-of-16 shooting, topping 24 points in six straight games, while Carmelo Anthony dropped 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting, passing Patrick Ewing for 21st on the NBA’s all-time scoring list (which just seems wrong). Things have really clicked on the offensive end for OKC and they will look to keep that train running through Phoenix this Sunday, the last of their three-game road trip.
The Suns are double digit dogs in their game against the San Antonio Spur tonight (Friday) and odds are they will lose that game before heading home to play OKC. The betting line doesn’t favor them much better in the meeting against Westbrook and company, not after the roll the Thunder have been on.
Our reports have small forward T.J. Warren feeling less than 100 percent due to an illness, so the Suns look to rookie Josh Jackson to start in his place on Friday and possibly Sunday if chicken noodle soup doesn’t work its way through his system in time for OKC. In fact, the entire team needs some rest, as they are entering the game against the Thunder having played 41 games of the season. The only other NBA team to do that at this point are the Boston Celtics, and you know…that’s the East.
Writer’s Prediction:
Phoenix is feeling midseason fatigue and must push through it both physically and mentally. But against the likes of Westbrook their game on Sunday won’t be the time they do so. Pick: OKC Thunder will win in double digits and cover in the process.
