Phoenix (25-24) at Oklahoma City (39-9)
- When: Feb 5 2025, 9:30 PM
- Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- TV: AZFamily
Game Preview
Oklahoma City -12.5 | Total: 227.5
Phoenix Suns: Can They Overcome Durant’s Uncertainty?
The Phoenix Suns arrive in Oklahoma City looking to bounce back after dropping consecutive games to Portland. However, the biggest storyline isn’t their recent struggles—it’s whether Kevin Durant will suit up in his former home. Durant is just 26 points away from becoming the eighth player in NBA history to reach 30,000 career points, but a left ankle sprain has him listed as doubtful. With the trade deadline looming, Phoenix may be evaluating their options before making any moves.
In Monday’s 121-119 overtime loss to the Trail Blazers, Devin Booker made history by surpassing Walter Davis as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 15,678 points. Booker has been the consistent offensive force for the Suns this season, but he’ll need more help with Bradley Beal’s availability still uncertain. If Durant doesn’t play, Phoenix’s chances of keeping up with OKC’s high-powered offense diminish significantly.
The Suns’ defense has been inconsistent, allowing an average of 115.2 points over their last five games. Against an elite offensive team like Oklahoma City, they’ll need a near-perfect performance to stay competitive.
Oklahoma City Thunder: The SGA Show Rolls On
The Thunder are one of the NBA’s hottest teams, winning 24 of their last 28 games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to dominate, leading the league with 32.5 points per game despite playing the fewest minutes among the NBA’s top 10 scorers (34.1 MPG). In Oklahoma City’s last two blowout wins over Sacramento and Milwaukee, SGA put up 63 points—without even stepping on the court in the fourth quarter.
OKC boasts the best scoring margin in the NBA (+12.7 PPG) and continues to take care of business at home. Their defensive pressure has also been a difference-maker, holding opponents to just 108.9 points per game. In their last meeting on Nov. 15, the Thunder handled the Suns with ease in a 99-83 victory, led by 28 points from SGA. Durant missed that contest with a calf injury, and if he’s absent again, Phoenix will have an even tougher time matching up.
With the Thunder’s depth, defensive efficiency, and overall momentum, they should cover the spread at home, especially if Durant sits. The total at 227.5 could also lean under if OKC’s defense locks down Phoenix as it did in their first matchup.
Betting Prediction:
Oklahoma City -12.5 ✅
Under 227.5 ✅
SGA Over 31.5 Points ✅ (If available)
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- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
