If you are a fan of offense in the NBA, then the matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder is the game for you. Both the Sixers and Thunder are in the top-five in scoring average this season, and there will be plenty of points scored in this game. Oklahoma City has beaten the 76ers a record 19 straight times.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have actually lost two straight games but still come into this game with a 38-22 record. Oklahoma City sits in third place in the Western Conference Playoff race entering Thursday. Philadelphia has won three of their last four games and is holding on to the 4th spot in the East with a record of 39-22. The Thunder are -5.0 over Philadelphia in this game.
Westbrook Averaging Another Triple-Double
Russell Westbrook continues to put up eye-popping numbers on offense but is sort of flying under the radar this season. Westbrook is averaging 22.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 10.9 assists this season and will likely finish his third straight season with a triple-double. Westbrook finally has a running mate in All-Star forward Paul George. George is leading the team with 28.6 points per game and has been taking plenty of clutch shots of late. Look for Westbrook and George to put on a show in this game.
The Thunder are averaging 115.9 points per game this season, despite shooting just 31 percent on three-pointers. Oklahoma City loves to play fast, and they have the depth to get that job done. Point guard Dennis Schroeder leads the second unit with over 15 points per game, but they have a ton of talent. Expect the Thunder to attack the rim with regularity in this game.
Embiid Out For 4th Straight Game
The Philadelphia 76ers will be without All-Star center Joel Embiid for the fourth straight game. Embiid is out with knee soreness, and the Sixers will miss his contributions on both ends of the floor. The All-Star is averaging a team-high 27.3 points and 13.5 rebounds per game this season and takes all of the big shots. To make matters worse for Philly, backup center Boban Marjanovic is also out of this game with a knee injury.
The Sixers still have plenty of offensive talent, especially after adding Tobias Harris to the mix before the Trade Deadline. Harris is averaging 20.4 points per game since joining the team and has improved an offense that is averaging 115.7 points per game. The Sixers have do have some issues on defense, allowing 112.3 points per game. Philadelphia will have to get stops to win on the road.
Thunder Beat Shorthanded Sixers
The Philadelphia 76ers have had a terrific season, but they are coming into this game very short handed. The Sixers are just 15-14 on the road this season, and they have lost 19 straight games to the Thunder. Oklahoma City just has too many weapons, and Westbrook and George have been almost unstoppable all season long. The Thunder are winning this game by double-digits. Bet the OKC Thunder -5.0 over the Philadelphia 76ers.
