The Oklahoma City Thunder (13-27) travel to Barclays Center Thursday to take on the Brooklyn Nets (26-14). Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Thunder vs. Nets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
Coming off an electric win over the Bulls in the United Center last night, the Nets are now set for their second leg of a back-to-back. They’ll be at home, which means no Kyrie Irving, who has played 3 road games for Brooklyn.
Over the Nets’ last five, Brooklyn is +48 in games with Kyrie and -10 in the two games without him. On the season, the Nets are 15-24-1, the third-worst covering rate in the league.
On the other hand, the Thunder, a roster at almost full strength, is one of the best covering teams, sitting at 26-14. Oklahoma City has covered 5 of its last 6. However, the Thunder are just 5-14 on the road.
Thunder at Nets odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 12:40 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Thunder +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Nets -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Thursday +7.5 (-120) | Nets -7.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Thunder at Nets key injuries
Thunder
- SG Kenrich Williams (illness) out
Nets
- C LaMarcus Aldridge (foot) doubtful
- PG Kyrie Irving (personal) out
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Thunder at Nets odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Nets 120, Thunder 108
Money line
PASS on the money line.
The Nets are rolling and are the significantly better team, but coming off a big-time, energy-draining win, I do think they could be sluggish. Regardless, the -340 has little to no value. Similarly, neither does OKC’s +260.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to the THUNDER +7.5 (-120).
The Thunder have been rolling lately, and while that hasn’t translated in wins, they’ve covered four of their last five, despite losing all five. OKC is 12-7 as road underdogs.
The Nets are the worst covering team in the NBA when home favorites. They’re just 3-16-1. This is a great letdown spot for the Nets who have struggled to blow teams out at home.
They’re welcoming a gritty Thunder team that has a bona fide superstar in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a thriving defense, one that ranks 13th in opponents’ points per game.
Over/Under
BET on the OVER 218.5 (-110).
Brooklyn is coming off a 138-point performance against the Bulls in Chicago. When their Big 3 is on the court, they’re an unstoppable offense. The Nets Over is 6-4 in their last 10 games. They’ve put up 120 or more in 3 of their last 5.
Even with Durant and former MVP G James Harden, they’re difficult to tame, and the Thunder really don’t have anyone that can contend with the lengthy Durant.
The Thunder have been going with an ultra-small starting five, one prone to getting in transition battles. Their tallest starter against Washington was 6-foot-9. Durant should have his way with the smaller OKC lineup.
OKC is also 5-5 on the O/U in its last 10.
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