Oklahoma City Thunder vs Washington Wizards Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 23/02/2024, 06:30  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 23/02/2024 at 12:00 in NBA Prediction

The Washington Wizards visit the Paycom Center to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA on Friday night. The hosts are 38-17 and second in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 9-46 and 14th in the Eastern Conference. 

The Washington Wizards have been struggling mightily, dropping 15 of their last 17 games. They are now desperately seeking to end a nine-game losing streak after being soundly defeated by the Nuggets 130-110 last night. Kyle Kuzma was the standout performer for the Wizards with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists, while Jordan Poole contributed 18 points. Washington ranks 16th in the NBA in scoring, averaging 114.7 points per game, while the Oklahoma City Thunder rank 13th in the league in defensive rating, allowing 113.5 points per game. On the defensive end, Washington has been porous, surrendering 123.9 points per game, which is the second-worst mark in the league this season. They are allowing opponents to shoot 49.7% overall (27th) and 36.8% from beyond the arc (18th). Isaiah Livers is uncertain for this game.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been performing impressively, winning six of their last eight. They are now aiming for a fourth straight victory after defeating the Clippers 129-107 last night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 31 points and eight assists on 12-of-19 shooting, while Luguentz Dort contributed 19 points. The Thunder rank fourth in the NBA in scoring, averaging 121 points per game, while the Wizards have the worst defense in the league, allowing an average of 124 points per game. On the defensive end, Oklahoma City ranks 13th in the league, allowing 113.6 points per game. They have been particularly vulnerable to three-pointers, with opponents making nearly 14 per game against them. The Thunder have no injury concerns for this match.