76ers vs. Thunder Prediction, Picks for Saturday, Nov. 25
Here's everything you need to know about 76ers vs. Thunder on Saturday, Nov. 25 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.
The 76ers head to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder on Saturday afternoon. Can the 76ers snap their -twogame losing streak on the road, or will the Thunder secure their seventh consecutive victory?
Let's get to our 76ers vs. Thunder prediction and pick.
76ers vs. Thunder Prediction
Pick: 76ers Moneyline
76ers
The 76ers missed Joel Embiid (hip) last game, but he is listed as probable for tonight's contest. Philadelphia will be without Kelly Oubre (ribs), and his absence has impacted the 76ers ability to space the floor.
Philadelphia has been excellent this season with the fourth-best Net Rating (+6.7) and a 119.2 Offensive Rating, per Basketball Reference. What's interesting is that Philadelphia may actually be due for an improvement on the offensive side of the ball. The 76ers actual eFG% is 54.2%, but their expected is 55.2%, which is surprising considering they take the lowest frequency of 3s in the league, per Cleaning the Glass.
The concern? Oubre was a large part of their 3-point success. Fortunately, due to Tyrese Maxey's ability to create for both himself and others — coupled with Joel Embiid's gravity — Philadelphia can generate high-quality looks from deep.
This matchup is an interesting one for Embiid as he should face off against rookie Chet Holmgren. Embiid is one of the best centers in the NBA and is averaging a league-leading 31.9 points per game, to go along with 11.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, one steal and 1.8 blocks in each contest. He's an absolute monster and is second only to Nikola Jokic in terms of the quality of center the Thunder have faced this season.
Jokic shredded the undersized Oklahoma City front-court to the tune of 28 points, 14 rebounds and five assists in a blowout victory. This is a great matchup for Embiid and his propensity to draw fouls could put Holmgren in a tough spot.
Thunder
The Thunder will be without forward Jalen Williams as he deals with a hip injury. Oklahoma City is tied for first in the West at 11-4 and has the second-best Net Rating in the league (+9.0). This team has been dominant and even though it has played some weaker opponents (11th easiest strength of schedule), the Thunder have taken care of business.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has risen in the MVP conversation with 30.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists and a league-leading 2.4 steals per game. Gilgeous-Alexander has elevated his game yet again and has the seventh-best BPM (box-plus-minus) in the league. He's consistently been able to score, but this matchup may be a bit tougher. Gilgeous-Alexander will have to deal with De'Anthony Melton, one of the 76ers' best defensive wings.
I expect Oklahoma City to struggle in the paint against Embiid. The Thunder have done a solid job defending the rim, but Holmgren is at such a significant size disadvantage against Embiid and could find himself in foul trouble.
76ers vs. Thunder Picks, Odds
| 76ers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-1 -110 | 231.5 -110 / -110 | -115 |
| Thunder Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+1 -110 | 231.5 -110 / -110 | -105 |
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This is an exciting matchup between two of the league's best teams. The Thunder have been excellent, but I think this matchup against Embiid is one they're not quite ready for. Embiid's ability to punish defenses is uncanny and Philadelphia has the personnel to disrupt Gilgeous-Alexander.
This should be a closely contested game, but Embiid is the one player the Thunder have no answer for, unless Holmgren plays the best defensive game of his young career. I expect Embiid to dictate the pace in this game, and I'll back him to do so in a win.
