Washington Wizards - Oklahoma City Thunder predictions and free betting tips [09/01/2024]

On Tuesday morning, Oklahoma City Thunder will take to the Capital One Arena to do battle with the Washington Wizards. 

Washington Wizards

The Wizards, enduring a tough spell with 9 losses from their last 11 matches, gear up to face off against Oklahoma City Thunder, hoping to snap their four-match losing streak. Their latest loss to the New York Knicks with a score of 105:121 underscored their difficulties, despite fine performances from Kyle Kuzma who scored 27 points and Deni Avdija who added 23 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. The Wizards recorded a 47% shooting efficiency from the field, but couldn't contain the Knicks, trailing by 20 points at half time.

The team clashed with serious defence and rebounding issues during their recent streak of losses. Avdija emphasised the need for more aggressive defensive play and higher intensity rebounds to improve the team's overall performance. Facing the Thunder, who are also weak in rebounding, the Wizards are searching for ways to restore their game.

The Washington Wizards on average scores 115.1 points at a 47.9% shooting efficiency, and concedes 126.1 points at a 50.2% shooting efficiency. Kyle Kuzma averages 22.6 points and 5.8 rebounds, while Jordan Poole delivers 16.3 points and 3.6 assists, and Deni Avdija claims 6 rebounds.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder, boasting impressive results with 8 wins from their recent 11 matches, are ready to break their two-match losing streak. The recent loss to Brooklyn Nets with a score of 115:124 was a hard blow, despite strong performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who scored 34 points, Jalen Williams who delivered 20 points and Chet Holmgren adding 17 points. The Thunder demonstrated good gameplay with a 53% shooting efficiency from the field, but trailed the Nets during the first half, conceding 75 points. Despite being 32 points behind, the Thunder narrowed the gap in the fourth quarter, scoring 36 points.

Thunder's coach Mark Daigneault approaches the losses with equipoise, keeping emotions from overwhelming strategy and team development. He believes that it's important to focus on constant improvement over the course of a long season. Gilgeous-Alexander supports this philosophy, seeing the recent losses as part of the road to success. The Thunder, who excel in the offense, are prepared for the clash against Washington Wizards, hoping to exploit their opponent's defensive weaknesses to get back on the winning track.

The Oklahoma City Thunder on average scores 121.8 points with a 50.2% shooting efficiency, whilst conceding 114.2 points with a 44.6% shooting efficiency. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averages 31.5 points and 6.4 assists, whilst Jalen Williams delivers 18.1 points and 3.8 rebounds.

Match prediction: Washington Wizards - Oklahoma City Thunder

Despite a brief dip after two consecutive defeats, Oklahoma City Thunder looks more confident compared to Washington Wizards. In the upcoming match, which will be the first of this season between these two teams, Thunder appears to be the stronger contender despite recent troubles. Considering this, I'm placing my bet on their victory.