The NBA Cup is nearing its conclusion. We only have four teams left in the Western Conference, and on Wednesday night, that group will be cut down to two. Our first matchup pits the upstart Phoenix Suns against the powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder. Can these Suns stop the Thunder from collecting more hardware? Or will OKC roll on as it chases a 74-win season and second title?
The Thunder are 14.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. They’re priced at -1050 on the moneyline, while the Suns are +675 underdogs. The total for this game is set at 225.5 points. Let’s get into my preview, prediction and pick for this Suns vs. Thunder game.
Suns vs. Thunder prediction, preview
After trading away Kevin Durant in the offseason, most people expected the Phoenix Suns to take a huge step back. But their defiant answer has been “no” as the Suns sit at 14-10 and in a playoff spot. Their success in the NBA Cup speaks to their grit and competitive nature as a team. Perhaps adding Dillon Brooks has given them an edge they haven’t had in years past.
Beating this Thunder team was already a tough task. But they’ll be eyeing the injury report closely; after a two-game absence, Devin Booker’s return is up in the air. It goes without saying that the presence of Phoenix’s best player carries significant weight in this game.
Or does it? The Thunder have rolled to a 23-1 record, primarily via blowouts. But the Suns did play them close in their last matchup, a 123-119 loss with Booker in the lineup. The OKC machine has rolled on since that game, lapping the field in defense while putting up top-five offensive production. There are few teams that can give them trouble.
But the Suns have a good formula. Booker thrives on making the tough shots that OKC will force him into. Brooks is as good a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stopper as you can want. They have athleticism and skill in the frontcourt. Perhaps most important of all, they want it badly. Will that be enough?
Suns vs. Thunder pick, best bet
My gut tells me Booker is suiting up for this one. If he does, this game becomes a whole lot more compelling. Picking the Thunder to lose outright is a money-burning strategy, but Phoenix’s style of play can undermine this spread. It’s good enough for me to take the points.
