Thunder vs. Wizards Picks and Predictions for the NBA Game on December 23rd, 2024

Arena and City where Thunder vs. Wizards will be playing

Don't miss the electrifying NBA game between the Thunder and the Wizards scheduled for December 23rd, 2024, in Oklahoma, OK at Paycom Center. Enhance your betting strategy with our handpicked picks and predictions.

Introduction to the Thunder vs. Wizards betting tip and prediction

At 19:00 on December 23rd, 2024, the Western Conference and Eastern Conference will meet in this thrilling NBA contest. The Thunder enters as -18 point favorites in the contest. The previous game between these two teams was a pick’em and the Thunder won, 147-106. The over/under for the upcoming game is 223.5 points.

The 2024-2025 basketball season has made it abundantly clear how important the 3-point shot is to the game. Let's examine how different teams are succeeding from long distance. The Thunder is currently nailing 35.2% of their 3-pointers, highlighting their precision in long-range shooting. In contrast, the Wizards are converting on 32.3% of their 3-point attempts, showcasing their proficiency in long-range shooting. As for shot selection, the Thunder is dedicating 43% of their attempts to 3-pointers, while the Wizards are taking 41% of their field goal attempts from downtown.

Oklahoma City Thunder

How is the Thunder playing this season?

The Thunder comes into this game with a 22-5 record, and they are currently 1st in the Western Conference standings. The Thunder is 9-1 in their last 10 games.

Did the Thunder win their most recent game?

Yes, Thunder defeated the Heat, 104-97. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points in the victory.

Best scorer for the Thunder

The leading scorer for the Thunder this season is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 30.3 points per game. He scored 30 points on 10-for-17 shooting in his previous regular-season meeting against the Wizards. In the last game, he scored 43.75 points in DraftKings and 42.4 fantasy points in FanDuel.

Other Team Leaders for the Thunder

Coming into the December 23rd, 2024 contest, Isaiah Hartenstein leads the Thunder with 12.8 rebounds per game. In the last match, he made 42 points in DraftKings and 40.6 fantasy points in FanDuel. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a team-high 6.2 assists per game. He scored 43.75 DraftKings points and 42.4 FanDuel fantasy game points in the last game. The steals leader for the Thunder is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2 steals per game). He has 43.75 DraftKings fantasy points and 42.4 FanDuel fantasy points for the last game. In terms of swatting shots, Chet Holmgren is leading the way for the Thunder with 2.6 blocks per game

Thunder Team Analysis

The Thunder's point differential this season is 11.7 points per game, which ranks 1st in the NBA. They are averaging 114.8 points per game while allowing 103.1 points per game. In terms of 3-pointers, the Thunder is making 13.7 shots per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. From the free-throw line, the Thunder is making 15.7 per game, which ranks 28th in the NBA.

Projected Thunder Starting Lineup and Injuries

In their last meeting against the Wizards, the Thunder's starting lineup consisted of Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Luguentz Dort, Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Washington Wizards

How are the Wizards playing this season?

The Wizards head this game with a 4-22 record, and they are currently 15th in the Eastern Conference standings. The Wizards are 2-8 in their last 10 games.

Did the Wizards win their most recent game?

No, Wizards came up short against the Bucks, 112-101. Jordan Poole scored 21 points in the loss.

Best scorer for the Wizards

The leading scorer for the Wizards this season is Jordan Poole, who is averaging 20.8 points per game. Jordan Poole also leads the team in minutes played per game with 34.88. He scored 21 points on 7-for-19 shooting in his previous regular season meeting against the Thunder. In the last game, scored 37.25 DraftKings fantasy points and 29.5 FanDuel fantasy points.

Other Team Leaders for the Wizards

Jonas Valanciunas is leading the way with 7.6 rebounds per game. In his last game of the season, he scored 17.5 points in DraftKings and 16.7 in FanDuel. Jordan Poole is dishing out a team-high 5 assists per game. He has 37.25 DraftKings fantasy points and 29.5 FanDuel fantasy points scored in the last game. In terms of steals, the Wizards' leader is Jordan Poole with 1.6 steals per game. His DFS points in the last match were the following: 37.25 DraftKings fantasy points and 29.5 FanDuel fantasy points. The blocks' leader for the Wizards is Alex Sarr, who is sending back 1.8 shots per game. He scored 26.75 DraftKings fantasy points and 26.5 FanDuel fantasy points in his last game.

Wizards Team Analysis

The Wizards' point differential this season is -14.7 points per game, which ranks 30th in the NBA. They are averaging 107.5 points per game while allowing 122.2 points per game. In terms of 3-pointers, the Wizards are making 11.8 shots per game, which ranks 23rd in the NBA. From the free-throw line, the Wizards are making 16.1 per game, which ranks 25th in the NBA.

Projected Wizards' Starting Lineup and Injuries

In their last meeting against the Thunder, the Wizards' starting five were Marvin Bagley III, Kyle Kuzma, Deni Avdija, Bilal Coulibaly and Tyus Jones. For the upcoming matchup, Wizards has the following injuries: Saddiq Bey is out (knee), Richaun Holmes is questionable (illness), Kyle Kuzma is out (ribs) and Tristan Vukčević is out (knee).

Bet suggestions for this game

Spread betting suggestion

With the Thunder coming into this game as -18 point favorites the suggestion is to bet at the Thunder.

Money Line betting suggestion

Thunder is a -18 money line favorite for the game against the Wizards, and the suggestion is to pick the Thunder.

Over/Under betting suggestion

The over/under for the Thunder and Wizards is 223.5 points, so the suggestion is to take the under.

Will there be Overtime?

Since the Thunder and Wizards had no match that went overtime this season, overtime is not likely for the upcoming contest.