Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Free Prediction 10/28/18

betdsiBasketball, NBA

The winless Oklahoma City Thunder (0-4) welcome the Phoenix Suns (1-4) to Chesapeake Energy Arena. The game will air on Fox Sports – Arizona at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 28, 2018.

Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Odds

In their last game, the Thunder (1-point favorites) were defeated by the Boston Celtics, 101-95, while the Suns (5-point favorites) fell to the Memphis Grizzlies, 117-96. The Oklahoma City game finished 23.5 points under the projected point total of 219.5, while the Phoenix game went 25.5 points under the projected point total of 238.5.

Phoenix held Memphis to an offensive rebounding percentage of 9.1 (below their season average of 18.0) while Oklahoma City held Boston to an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.6 (below the 27.0 mark opponents have averaged against Oklahoma City this season). Russell Westbrook had a good game for Oklahoma City, putting up 13 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton fueled Phoenix with 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Oklahoma City figures to have an advantage on the offensive glass in this contest. Since last season, the Thunder rank first in offensive rebounding percentage (27.4 percent), while Phoenix ranks 20th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.7 percent). Also, the Suns rank 28th in turnover percentage (14.9 percent), while the Thunder rank first in opponents’ turnover percentage (15.2 percent).

Since last season, the Suns are 22-65 straight up (SU) and 41-43-2 against the spread (ATS). Since last season, Phoenix games have had a tendency to finish over the O/U total (58.1 percent).

Meanwhile, the Thunder, are 48-38 SU and 48-42-1 ATS since last season. Games involving Oklahoma City have had a tendency to finish under the O/U total over that same stretch (56.0 percent).

The Thunder held the advantage in this series last year, winning two out of three games. In the last matchup, Oklahoma City won 115-87. Oklahoma City’s 0.606 effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Phoenix, who had a rate of 0.386.

Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Pick

Free Prediction: SU Winner – Suns, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Over

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

  • The Suns rank 19th in three pointers attempted per game (28.2) while the Thunder rank 21st in three pointers allowed per game (30.5).
  • Oklahoma City ranks first in steals per game (9.0) while Phoenix ranks last in steals allowed per game (8.8).
  • The Thunder average 45.3 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. The Suns rank 27th in rebounds allowed per game (45.7).
  • Oklahoma City ranks ninth in blocks allowed per game (4.7) while Phoenix ranks last (5.9).
  • Oklahoma City ranks ninth in points allowed in the paint per game (43.8) while Phoenix ranks 26th (47.6).
  • The Thunder average 18.8 points off turnovers per game, which ranks first in the NBA. The Suns rank last in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.9).
  • The Thunder rank first in second chance points per game (15.3) while the Suns rank 22nd in second chance points allowed per game (13.1).
  • Phoenix is 27th in the league with 21.6 assists per game while Oklahoma City is 29th with 21.0 assists per game.
  • Oklahoma City ranks fifth in fast break points per game (14.9) while Phoenix ranks 29th in fast break points allowed per game (15.2).
  • Phoenix is 8-2 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Oklahoma City is 23-6.
  • In games where they score above 100 points, the Thunder are 46-21 and the Suns are 17-38.
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