The Philadelphia 76ers are set to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 28, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. ET at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. This matchup promises to be intriguing as both teams have had contrasting fortunes in their recent games.
In the 2024-25 season series, the Thunder currently hold the upper hand, having won both previous encounters against the 76ers. The 76ers come into this game with a record of 16-13, having recently suffered a defeat at the hands of the Chicago Bulls, losing 109-102. Despite the loss, 76ers center Joel Embiid put forth a commendable effort, scoring 31 points on 10-of-19 shooting. Philadelphia’s recent performance has been a mixed bag, with two consecutive losses but a 6-4 record over their last ten games, maintaining a respectable 17-11-1 record against the spread (ATS) this season.
Conversely, the Thunder, sporting a record of 26-5, are looking to bounce back from their recent setback against the San Antonio Spurs, where they lost 117-102. Oklahoma City, after an exceptional start to the season with a record-tying 24-1, has faced challenges recently, losing four of their last six games and going 2-4 ATS during that span. Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 22 points in their latest outing.
Turning to the betting lines provided by BetMGM Sportsbook, the 76ers are significant underdogs with a moneyline of +675, while the Thunder are heavily favored at -1100. The spread indicates the 76ers +15.5, while the over/under is set at 226.5 points.
In terms of player availability, both teams report notable absences. For the 76ers, Joel Embiid and Kelly Oubre Jr. are out, while Paul George is listed as probable. The Thunder will be without Jaylin Williams due to a heel injury.
Regarding predictions, the expected outcome leans toward the Thunder, with a projected score of Thunder 123, 76ers 109. However, while the Thunder are expected to win, the hefty odds on their victory make betting on them less attractive. Instead, betting on the 76ers to cover the spread at +15.5 seems a more favorable option, given their talent and recent performances. Additionally, taking the over on 226.5 might be wise, as both teams feature capable scorers who could push the total points higher.
This game presents an opportunity for the 76ers to prove their mettle against a formidable opponent. With both teams possessing high-caliber players, fans can anticipate an exciting matchup that could spark a turnaround for either team.