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Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Washington Wizards quick preview, odds, and prediction

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Will OKC derail the Wizards’ runaway momentum?

By joshua broom
/ new
NBA: Washington Wizards at Oklahoma City Thunder Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Can Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder slow the Washington Wizards’ freight train momentum tonight from the nation’s capitol?

Following “Durant gate” Oklahoma City faces a Wizards team that has won nine of ten. John Wall (23 ppg, 10.5 apg) and Bradley Beal (22.3) have frustrated opposing defenses all season while former OKC Head Coach Scott Brooks has resurrected his talented new squad.

The Thunder will again counter Washington’s potent back-court with the incomparable Russell Westbrook (31.2 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 10.2 apg) and his burgeoning sidekick Victor Oladipo (16.3 ppg).

During Oklahoma City’s Nov. 30 126-115 overtime win vs. Washington, Westbrook (35 pts, 14 rebs, 11 ast) and Oladipo (25) overcame Wall and Beal at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

OKC will likely need more firepower this evening opposite a Wizards squad that has won 16 of 19 contests.

Game Information

  • Oklahoma City Thunder (31-24 #7 West) vs. Washington Wizards (32-21 #3 East)
  • Time: 8 PM ET
  • Venue: Verizon Center, Washington D.C.
  • TV: TNT

Oklahoma City Thunder Keys to Victory

  • Move past Saturday’s emotional contest
  • Be the better backcourt
  • Get physical, Adams (Bang with the banger, Gortat)
  • OKC’s bench must outplay Washington’s reserves
  • Roberson needs to defensively frustrate multiple guys (Wall, Beal, Porter Jr.)

Probable Starting Lineups and Injury Reports

The Oklahoma City Thunder list Enes Kanter (Forearm) as out. The Washington Wizards have no injuries to report.

Oklahoma City Thunder

  • Point Guard: Russell Westbrook
  • Shooting Guard: Victor Oladipo
  • Small Forward: Andre Roberson
  • Power Forward: Domantas Sabonis
  • Center: Steven Adams

Washington Wizards

  • Point Guard: John Wall
  • Shooting Guard: Bradley Beal
  • Small Forward: Otto Porter Jr.
  • Power Forward: Markieff Morris
  • Center: Marcin Gortat

ODDS

Oklahoma City Thunder +5

The Washington Wizards enjoy favorable odds due to home-court advantage and a stellar run of recent play. At 23-7 the Wizards are tied for the most home wins in the NBA.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma City has dropped three-consecutive road contests, and sport a 12-16 road record. The Thunder is 12-7 in inter-conference matchups this season.


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