The Washington Wizards (1-3) are set to face the undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder (5-0) at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Thursday, with the game tipping off at 8 p.m. ET. As the season progresses, the Wizards will be looking to bounce back from a tough loss, while the Thunder aim to maintain their perfect record.
In their most recent outing, the Wizards battled the Philadelphia 76ers but fell short in an 139-134 overtime defeat, despite holding a commanding 16-point lead entering the final quarter. Washington’s second-year center, Alex Sarr, had a standout performance, scoring 31 points alongside contributions from seven additional players who scored in double figures. Through their first two road games, the Wizards have managed a split, going 1-1 against the spread (ATS).
Conversely, the Thunder continued their strong start by securing a 107-101 win against the Sacramento Kings. Although they did not cover the spread as a 9-point favorite, reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 31 points on an efficient 14-for-26 shooting night. Despite their unbeaten status, Oklahoma City has struggled against the spread, recording just 1-4 thus far.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the odds for the matchup are as follows: Wizards are positioned at +775 on the moneyline, meaning a $100 bet would yield a $775 return, while the Thunder sit at -1400. Against the spread, the Wizards are +15.5 and the Thunder are -15.5. The over/under for total points is set at 231.5.
In terms of injuries, the Wizards have F Marvin Bagley III listed as questionable due to an ankle injury. The Thunder will be without F Chet Holmgren (back soreness), G Jalen Williams (wrist), and F Kenrich Williams (knee), which accounts for nearly 40 points per game lost from last year’s championship roster.
Prediction-wise, it’s expected that the Thunder will secure the victory, but there are doubts about their ability to cover such a hefty spread. A predicted final score holds Oklahoma City at 121 and Washington at 110, suggesting a solid performance but with the Wizards still showing potential. It’s recommended to consider wagering on the Wizards +15.5 and the over on the total points, as the game’s pace and defensive metrics indicate potential for scoring.
As both teams prepare for this Thursday night clash, basketball fans can anticipate an exciting matchup, particularly with the Wizards aiming to regain their footing against a formidable Thunder squad.