The Philadelphia 76ers (14-13) challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder (13-14) at Wells Fargo Center. The game will air on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 15, 2017.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 210 points with Philadelphia set as a 2-point favorite.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Philadelphia 76ers Free Prediction
The Thunder come in on a high note after defeating the Indiana Pacers in their last outing, 100-95. The Thunder had a much better free throw rate (0.170 vs. 0.045) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.4 (above their season average of 26.5). Russell Westbrook played a massive role in the victory for Oklahoma City, accumulating 10 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists on his way to his eighth triple-double this year.
In the 76ers’ last matchup, they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 118-112. Philadelphia was effective at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The 76ers made 27 of their 32 free throws (84.4 percent), while the Timberwolves were 19-27 (70.4 percent). Joel Embiid was Philadelphia’s leading scorer with 28 points on 8-for-16 shooting.
Philadelphia could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they battle against one of the worst offenses in the NBA. The 76ers rank fourth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.502), while Oklahoma City is 27th in effective field goal percentage (0.494).
Oklahoma City holds records of 13-14 straight up (SU) and 8-18-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to set the total high when the Thunder are involved, as 17 of their 27 games have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia is 14-13 SU and 16-11 ATS. Unlike Oklahoma City, just over half of 76ers games have finished over the total.
Steven Adams has averaged 16.6 points and 10.4 rebounds over the last five games for Oklahoma City.
After the Thunder won both meetings against the 76ers last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Oklahoma City won 122-97. The Thunder had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (48.6 vs. 14.3) and had a better free throw rate (0.250 vs. 0.172).
Oklahoma City Thunder at Philadelphia 76ers Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – 76ers, ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Oklahoma City is 3-11 ATS with 9 unders and 5 overs.
At home, Philadelphia is 8-5 ATS with 8 unders and 5 overs.
When holding opponents below 100 points, Philadelphia is 4-0 and Oklahoma City is 10-4.
In games where they score over 100 points, the Thunder are 11-6 and the 76ers are 13-8.
Oklahoma City averages 10.0 steals per game, which ranks first in the league. Philadelphia ranks last in steals allowed per game (9.1).
The Thunder average 19.5 points off turnovers per game, which ranks first in the league. The 76ers rank 25th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.6).
Philadelphia ranks third in assists per game (26.1) while Oklahoma City ranks 24th (20.8).
The 76ers rank fifth in points in the paint per game (47.5) while the Thunder rank 23rd (40.7).
Oklahoma City ranks fourth in second chance points per game (14.7) while Philadelphia ranks 20th in second chance points allowed per game (13.2).
The Thunder average 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. The 76ers rank 28th in blocks allowed per game (5.9).
Philadelphia ranks first in rebounds per game (48.8) while Oklahoma City ranks 14th (43.7).
The Thunder rank 15th in three pointers attempted per game (29.7) while the 76ers rank 21st in three pointers allowed per game (30.1).
Oklahoma City ranks sixth in fast break points per game (14.2) while Philadelphia ranks ninth in fast break points allowed per game (10.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Oklahoma City is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Thunder have been outscored by an average of 1.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Oklahoma City has defeated opponents by an average of 2.3 points.
During their last five games, the 76ers have scored an average of 109.0 points per game (0.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 114.0 points per game (5.1 above their season average).
