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Washington Wizards vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Preview, Predictions and Picks for December 23, 2024

Updated on:
Dec 23, 2024 8:54 PM
The Washington Wizards, struggling with a 4-22 record and 11-game road skid, face a tough test as they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, December 23rd at 8:00 PM at the Paycom Center. The Thunder, sitting atop the Western Conference with a 22-5 record, look to capitalize on their strong home form, where they've won 11 of 13 games. This matchup pits two teams on opposite ends of the NBA spectrum, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.
Washington Wizards vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Current Odds

WSH
OKC
Over
239.5
-105
Under
243.5
+100
WSH
+10.5
-113
OKC
-9.5
-105
WSH
ML
+735
OKC
ML
-650

Oklahoma City Thunder recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/20/24 @ Miami Heat W 104-97
12/19/24 @ Orlando Magic W 105-99
12/17/24 vs Milwaukee Bucks L 97-81
12/14/24 vs Houston Rockets W 111-96
12/10/24 vs Dallas Mavericks W 118-104

Washington Wizards recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/21/24 @ Milwaukee Bucks L 112-101
12/19/24 vs Charlotte Hornets W 123-114
12/15/24 vs Boston Celtics L 112-98
12/13/24 @ Cleveland Cavaliers L 115-105
12/8/24 vs Memphis Grizzlies L 140-112

Oklahoma City Thunder injuries

  • Alex Ducas (G): Out
  • Adam Flagler (F): Out
  • Chet Holmgren (PF): Out
  • Nikola Topic (G): Out

Washington Wizards injuries

  • Bilal Coulibaly (SG): Day-To-Day
  • Kyle Kuzma (SF): Out
  • Saddiq Bey (SF): Out

Wizards vs Thunder game info

Type Info
Venue Paycom Center
Location Oklahoma City, OK
Tip-off Mon 8:00 PM

Wizards vs Thunder predictions

As the Washington Wizards gear up to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, all eyes will be on key player Jordan Poole. With his consistent scoring ability, Poole is expected to spearhead the Wizards’ offense with around 20 points, simultaneously creating opportunities for his teammates with a handful of assists. Fans will also keep a close watch on Jonas Valanciunas, who is anticipated to dominate the boards with nearly eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Alexandre Sarr should contribute crucial points and be a defensive presence with his shot-blocking ability. Malcolm Brogdon’s seasoned leadership will also be instrumental in stabilizing the team, perhaps adding over a dozen points and a few rebounds to his tally. The Wizards have had a rough patch on the road, boasting just a single away victory, and they’ll need all hands on deck to challenge the top-tier Thunder.

Switching over to the Oklahoma City Thunder, it's not hard to see why they’re leading the Western Conference. The team's star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is likely to put on another dazzling performance with a mix of scoring, assists, and defensive plays. Fans can expect him to flirt with a 30-point game, throwing in a couple of steals for good measure. Jalen Williams might not pound the boards like Valanciunas, but his presence in the paint is crucial, contributing double-digit points and snagging a fair share of rebounds. Another player to watch is Isaiah Hartenstein, who has the ability to rack up rebounds and play solid defense in the paint, ensuring the Thunder control the tempo of the game. The depth of Oklahoma City could prove challenging for the Wizards, as players like Luguentz Dort are predicted to add double-digit figures to the scoreline while guarding some of Washington’s best scorers.

Given the current form and statistics, the outcome seems to tilt heavily in favor of the Oklahoma City Thunder. With a stellar record both at home and overall, the Thunder’s balanced offense and sturdy defense can be quite a handful for the struggling Wizards. While Washington would need everything to click perfectly—a tall order considering their recent road woes—the capabilities of Oklahoma’s star players like Gilgeous-Alexander and the sheer depth of their roster make them a formidable opponent. Unless the Wizards manage to hit their top gear unexpectedly, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to predict Oklahoma City as the likely winners of this matchup. But the ball is round, and anything can happen in a game, right? What do you think will unfold on the court?

Oklahoma City Thunder

Washington Wizards

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