Thunder vs. 76ers prediction, odds, pick, spread

The Thunder continue to play as one of the best teams in the NBA, while the 76ers have struggled to find consistency this season. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with the Thunder-76ers prediction and pick.

The Thunder have looked incredible this year, thanks in large part to an MVP-caliber season from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jalen Williams was also excellent in the backfield. The Thunder are among the best teams in the NBA at 32-6. They can win this game against the 76ers on the road because they have a lot of talent despite their inconsistent performance as a team.

The 76ers struggled to start the season, but have been playing better lately. They are 15-22 and still dealing with inconsistent team play. Joel Embiid, Tyrese McKay and Paul George are a lethal big three and look great together, but they must stay healthy. They can get back on track in this game with a huge win against the Thunder, especially at home.

Here are the Thunder-76ers NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA odds: Thunder-76ers odds

Oklahoma City Thunder: -11.5 (-112)

Money line: -650

Philadelphia 76ers: +11.5 (-108)

Moneiline: +480

More: 218 (-110)

Under: 218 (-110)

How to watch Thunder vs. 76ers

Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southwest/NBC Sports Philadelphia

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why might thunder cover the spread/win

The Thunder have been very good offensively this year. They are ninth in scoring at 116.1 points per game, 11th in field goal percentage at 47.1% and 18th in three-point field goal percentage at 35.5%. Four different Thunder players are averaging double figures in points, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the biggest staraveraged 31.4 points per game as the MVP favorite. He also leads the team in assists with 5.9 per game this season.

Gilgeous-Alexander is the engine that drives this team, but Jalen Williams has been terrific in his own right and will be key to the offense in this game, especially with Chet Holmgren still injured. Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams run this offense, but the 76ers have a great defense. They should be able to score on the road because the 76ers can’t stop everything on the Thunder. This offense is also helped by the fact that there is a chance that Embiid may not be available.

The Thunder’s defense has been outstanding this year and is arguably the best in the NBA. They are second in scoring defense, with 103.4 points per game, first in field goal defense with 42.5%, and first in three-point defense, with 32%. Without Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein was great down there. He leads the team in rebounds, with 12 per game, and in blocks, with 1.1 per game.

Finally, five players are averaging at least one steal, with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the team with two per game. This defense has been terrific, and based on its performance as a unit, should easily shut down the Hornets offense in this matchup.

The 76ers offense has fallen off a cliff this year. They are 27th in scoring at 107.4 points per game, 24th in field goal percentage at 44.8% from the field and 24th in three-point shooting at 34.3% from the field. Five 76ers players are averaging double figures in scoring, with Tyrese Maxey leading the way with 25.8 points per game.

Joel Embiid will likely return for this game, bringing more reinforcements for Maxey and Paul George. They need all the help they can get in this matchup against the 76ers. This is a tough matchup because the Thunder’s strength this year has been defense. Even if the 76ers bring back Embiid, this is a bad matchup based on how good the Thunder are on defense.

Why the 76ers could cover the spread/win

The 76ers defense has played much better of late, but they are still having an inconsistent season as a unit. They are ninth in points allowed at 110.5 points per game, 28th in field goal defense at 47.9%, and 20th in three-point defense at 36.3% from behind the arc.

Nisko, Andre Drummond and Joel Embiid are tied for the team lead in rebounding with 7.9 per player. Next, KJ Martin and Adem Bona are tied for the lead in blocks with 0.7 per game since Embiid has been out. Finally, six 76ers are averaging at least one steal per game, with Tyrese Maxey leading the way with 2.1 per game. The 76ers have been playing better lately and have been healthier. This defense has the ability to play well with their playmakers, and they should shut down the Pelicans at home.

Final Thunder-76ers Prediction & Pick

The 76ers have the defense to slow down the Thunder, but the Thunder are the better all-around team. Gilgeous-Alexander is the best player on the court, and the team can be trusted. In this game against the 76ers, the Thunder should win and cover on the road, even if it is a defensive game.

Final Thunder-76ers Prediction and Pick: Philadelphia 76ers +11.5 (-108)