Thunder vs Kings Game Analysis and Prediction

The NBA’s second leading scorer will arrive in California’s capital in Sunday evening’s betting odds. That’s when Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder, travel to Sacramento to take on the Kings.

Oklahoma City Thunder (36-24 SU, 35-25 ATS) at Sacramento Kings (21-40, 30-29-2 ATS)

Sunday, March 7: 9:00 p.m.

Here are some NBA Betting Trends which may impact this game:

Oklahoma City: 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games
Oklahoma City: 12-3 SU in their last 15 games

Sacramento: 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games
Sacramento: Total has gone UNDER in 5 of their last 7 games

It’s been a whirlwind third year in the NBA for Durant, but even at 21-years-old, he’s already emerged as one of the league’s superstars. On the season, Durant has been a revelation, as he’s averaging 29.2 points per game, which is second in the league to only LeBron James. He also had a staggering streak of 29 games when he scored at least 25 points in a row earlier in the year. And remember, he’s only 21! Wow.

However, Durant is not alone on a young, but talented Oklahoma City roster. Point guard Russell Westbrook does a little bit of everything for this team, as he averages 16 points, five rebounds and a team high eight assists a game. Jeff Green averages 14 points a game. And rookie James Harden provides a quick scoring spark off the bench, averaging close to double figures in points.

Much like Oklahoma City, Sacramento has a star of their own, and maybe this year’s rookie of the year, Tyreke Evans. Evans was the fourth overall pick in last year’s draft and has quickly established himself as a budding NBA superstar. The young Evans is all over the court for the Kings, averaging team highs in points (20.3), assists and steals per game. He’s scored at least 20 points in four of his last five games.

Down low, Sacramento may struggle on the boards, as they’ll be without their leading rebounder, center Jason Thompson. Thompson has missed the Kings last four games and could be out a few more with a bad back. In his place has stepped Carl Landry, a recently acquired big man from Houston. Landry has averaged about 17 points and seven rebounds  a game since coming to the Kings.

With neither team a truly great offensive juggernaut, what the outcome in this game will come down to is the defense. And Oklahoma City simply plays better at this point. On the season, Scott Brooks team has been phenomenal, holding opponents to just 96 points a game scoring (eighth in the NBA), and 43 percent shooting from the field. It won’t be easy for Sacramento to get baskets Sunday night.

Which is why you should take Oklahoma City. The Thunder are one of the NBA’s best stories, and as of right now are scratching and clawing their way toward a playoff berth in the Western Conference. They won’t get one if they can’t win games like Sunday night. Expect them to come out focused and hungry, and get a win on the court and in the betting odds.

Aaron’s Pick: Oklahoma City ATS