The Oklahoma City Thunder have faced a challenging stretch lately, looking far from the dominant force they were earlier in the season. After a remarkable start of 24 wins and just 1 loss, the Thunder have struggled with a 13-8 record over their last 21 games. As they prepare to host the Toronto Raptors, they’ll be without several key players, adding to the complexity of the matchup.
Injuries will significantly impact the Thunder’s performance as they miss the services of Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, and Ajay Mitchell. With this shorthanded roster, Chet Holmgren is expected to play a crucial role, especially after showcasing his talents with a 25-point and 13-rebound performance against the Pacers. The anticipation is for Holmgren to increase his shot attempts, which currently average 11.5 per game, as he’ll look to shoulder more of the scoring load in the absence of his teammates.
Holmgren’s recent form has been promising—averaging 10 rebounds per game in January—making him a key player to watch against a Toronto squad that may also struggle under the basket due to the absence of Jakob Poeltl and potential rookie Collin Murray-Boyles. This should give Holmgren an advantage, particularly on the boards, as the Raptors may resort to smaller lineups.
The Raptors come into this game with a solid performance on their recent West Coast trip, currently holding a 3-1 record, and they are 15-9 in away games this season. However, their success may hinge on an impactful showing from Scottie Barnes, who has been averaging 22.8 points per game over his last eight contests, despite recent challenges with his three-point shooting.
Betting predictions for this matchup favor Holmgren to exceed 28.5 points and rebounds. Additionally, a same-game parlay including the Raptors covering a spread of +11, Scottie Barnes scoring over 18.5 points, and Cason Wallace netting over 1.5 three-pointers could provide attractive opportunities for bettors.
As the Thunder aim to regain their early-season dominance, the spotlight will be on Holmgren to lead the charge. This match against the Raptors presents an exciting opportunity for growth and resilience amid adversity, which could bring the renewed energy the Thunder need as they navigate through their injury challenges.