The late game tonight will be the Oklahoma City Thunder taking on the Phoenix Suns. It may seem like a blow out -- and it probably will be -- but there are still reasons to watch. Find out what they are here, as well as the live stream link, betting line, TV schedule, preview and prediction.
Game Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Channel: FZAZ, FS Oklahoma HD
Location: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, Ariz.
Live Stream: NBA League Pass ($6.99 for individual game)
Free Live Stream: Stream2U
Betting Line: -13 OKC; 215 O/U
Here are two teams on opposite ends of the spectrum. Polar opposites record-wise -- OKC at 38-14 and PHO at 14-38 -- this one has all the makings of a stinker, even though the Suns are the home team. While they are quite a bit better at home than on the road, 10-16 at home vs. 4-22 away, it's really not going to matter tonight.
It's true, the Thunder simply are too good. It's going to take a truly special effort to overcome them, especially considering how well Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are playing right now.
Durant is averaging 33 points, 9.8 boards and 4.4 assists in his last five, while Westbrook is averaging a triple-double in the same span of 23.6, 10.6 and 13.2.
Utterly astounding numbers.
So why watch unless you're a Thunder fan wanting to watch a double-digit victory?
Well, rookie sensation Devin Booker has been absolutely on fire for the Suns recently. He's averaging 20.4 points per game in the past five, and has been scorching hot from deep, nailing over 40 percent of his threes. He'll challenge the Thunder's average perimeter defense all night long.
Down low, the Suns may also have a chance to take advantage. The trio of Tyson Chandler, Alex Len and Markieff Morris have actually started to turn a corner and play well in rotation. They're combining for right around 22 points and 24-25 boards per game in the past five contests. Obviously, they'll have their hands full with Enes Kanter, Steven Adams and Serge Ibaka, but it should at least be competitive on that end of the floor.
Overall, there are things to watch here, especially if you like watching young NBA players develop -- as that's pretty much the entire Suns roster with the exception of Chandler.
Prediction: Thunder 112, Suns 102
