Oklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns 12/23/21 - NBA Picks & Predictions

The Oklahoma City Thunder will continue a road trip Thursday night with a visit to the Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ for a matchup with the Phoenix Suns. Oklahoma City has struggled thus far this season coming into Thursday night 10-19 overall despite riding a two game win streak after a 3 point win against the Memphis Grizzlies. Oklahoma City locked in on the defensive side of the ball holding Memphis to only 99 points on 38.6% shooting and forced 12 turnovers leading to the loss. 

Offensively Oklahoma City did just enough to beat Memphis scoring 102 points on 42.9% shooting including a 55 point second half to erase a 12 point first quarter deficit. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers for the Thunder with 23 points on 8 of 19 shooting in 37 minutes of action. Josh Giddey added 19 points and 11 assists in 30 minutes of action, while Kenrich Williams chipped in 13 points on five of six shooting in 23 minutes off the bench.

The Phoenix Suns return home Thursday night as the best team in the league with 25 wins through their first 30  games played riding a four game win streak following an 18 point blowout of the Los Angeles Lakers. Offensively Phoenix dominated Los Angeles scoring 108 points on 44.1% shooting, while the defense held Los Angeles 239.1% from the floor and held the Lakers to 90 points including only 38 in the second half.

Devin Booker led the way for Phoenix as one of seven players in double figures with 24 points and 9 rebounds in 32 minutes of action. Big man DeAndre Ayton added 19 points and a team leading 11 rebounds, while Chris Paul chipped in 11 points and nine assists in 29 minutes. Cameron Johnson provided a spark off the bench with 14 points and eight rebounds in 26 minutes.