Will SGA Get The Thunder Back On Track?
OKC Favored Via The Kings vs Thunder Betting Odds
The Sacramento Kings will hit the road to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder less than a week before the NBA Playoffs. While the Thunder have clinched a playoff spot in the Western Conference, the Kings are currently a game away from a top-six spot.
To play in the playoffs, the Kings would have to win one of the two spots in the Play-In Tournament on the Western side. But they’re not locked into that No. 8 seed in the NBA Western standings right now. With multiple wins and a few things that go their way, the Kings could still clinch a top-six seed.
Despite the Kings “needing” this game more, the Thunder are currently -5.5 (-110) with the total at 226.5. This is due to the report that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s superstar, is expected to play in this game.
Let’s break down the Kings vs Thunder betting odds for this fun Western Conference game.
Kings vs Thunder 
Record: Sacramento Kings (45-33), Oklahoma City Thunder (53-25)
Date, time:
Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
Stream: Bally Sports OK
Kings vs Thunder Betting Odds & Trends
The Kings have been slightly successful against the spread (ATS) this season. Sacramento has gone 40-37-1 and has hit the under in 41 of 68 games. They have also gone 22-18 on the road, straight-up, and have two wins over the Thunder in three meetings this season.
On the other hand, the Thunder have gone 42-35-1 ATS and have hit the over in 11 more games than the under this year. At home, Oklahoma City hasn’t even lost ten games. Instead, the Thunder have gone 29-8 at home this year.
But while the Kings have won two of three against the Thunder this season, the Thunder won the last one, 127-113 at home, and covered the 3.5-point spread. They’ll, again, be home for this one against the Kings.
Sacramento Looking For The No. 6 Seed
The Kings returned to winning ways on Sunday with a 107-77 victory Brooklyn. That pushed them to 45-33, which is good for 8th in the Western Conference.
The first six teams in the conference are safe and will make the playoffs. However, the next four teams must play in the Play-In Tournament and win their way into the final two spots of the NBA Playoffs schedule. Therefore, the Kings would love to get into that No. 6 spot.
But with one week away, they’re one game behind the Pelicans and Suns. As long as one of the Suns or Pelicans doesn’t lose again this season, the Kings will be forced to win a Play-In Tournament against the Lakers, Warriors, and either the Pelicans or Suns. That’s going to be difficult.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Back In Action!
The Oklahoma City Thunder have announced that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will return against the Kings. The Thunder want to ensure that Gilgeous-Alexander is fully healthy for the playoffs.
Without Shai, the Thunder haven’t played their best basketball. Over the last ten games, the Thunder are just 5-5 and have fallen out of the top spot in the Western Conference.
He suffered a back injury on March 230 and has missed six of the last seven games. He had been an MVP candidate but no longer has a high probability of winning because of his absence.
But while he’s set to return, it’s still unclear if Jalen Williams will play for the Thunder.
Oklahoma City needs to get fully healthy before the postseason. It is over a week away and it looks like a possibility.
Oklahoma City’s Lack Of Defense Is Concerning
The Thunder have struggled offensively without their two best offensive weapons. The team scored 121 points in their last game against the Hornets. But most teams typically do against the moribund team. The Thunder scored just 112 against the Pacers and 100 against Boston. In the game before those two, the Thunder added 105 points.
It hasn’t been great. However, the last time the Thunder played with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City scored 113 against the Knicks and shot a 61.6% effective field goal percentage (EFG%). The Thunder should be better with him on the floor. He was in the running for the MVP for a reason and is one of the best scorers in the game.
On the other hand, defense has also been lacking over the last few games. Oklahoma City has allowed at least a 60.8% EFG% in three straight. Opponents also scored at least 120.6 points per 100 possessions in three straight.
That’s not going to fly in the postseason. Therefore, the Thunder must get their act together defensively before the playoffs begin.
Meanwhile, the Kings have not excelled offensively either. Sacramento usually keeps turnovers down. But it has not gotten to the foul line much and has shot below 50% EFG% in two straight games against the Nets and Celtics.
On the other hand, the Kings have played better defensively. Opponents haven’t shot it very well against the Kings. Most of the time, the Kings give up a lot of foul shots and lose that battle. But in the last two games, the Kings kept foul shots down. It’s unlikely that will continue for the Kings. It’s not sustainable with the way the Kings play defensively.
Therefore, consider the Thunder at home after looking at the Kings vs Thunder betting odds. In the other NBA results between the two teams, the home team has won in each. Let’s take the Thunder at -3.5 (-110).
Kings vs Thunder Betting Odds
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