The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face off against the Brooklyn Nets on February 20, 2026, but the Thunder will be without star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is joined on the injured list by Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell. Despite being a significant 18-point favorite, the Thunder face an uphill battle given the absence of key players.
While the Thunder have struggled without Gilgeous-Alexander, holding a 2-3 record and ranking 18th in net rating over their last five games, the Brooklyn Nets could exploit this situation. The prediction suggests that even though the Nets are performing below par, the depleted Thunder roster may require some time to find their rhythm, allowing Brooklyn a chance to maintain a competitive pace in the first half.
Betting odds indicate that a good pick could be the Nets covering a +10.5 spread for the first half. Player Danny Wolf has been particularly noteworthy, having made over 1.5 three-pointers in four consecutive games and surpassing 5.5 rebounds in six of his last seven matchups, making him an essential player to watch in this matchup.
The Thunder’s home performance has been inconsistent, as they have only successfully hit the first half moneyline in seven of their last 14 games at Paycom Center. This trend further supports the reasoning that the Nets could keep the contest closer than expected, especially in the early stages.
As the teams gear up for this exciting matchup, fans will have the opportunity to watch live on YES and FDSN networks. The anticipation surrounding the game reflects the ongoing unpredictability of the NBA season, highlighting the potential for upsets and surprise performances.