NBA Basketball
2012-03-07 - Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Wednesday 7 March 2012 - Tip Off 8pm ET
1am (British Standard Time)
Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder (30-8) are considered one of the top contenders to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals this season and they remain firmly on course to lock up the Number 1 seed. It is still accepted that the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat are the big favourites to win the whole Championship, but the Thunder are definitely a genuine threat.
They face the Phoenix Suns (17-20) who have won all 3 games they have played since the All-Star break, although they are playing their first road game since where they are currently 7-11. The Suns are still in contention to earn a Play Off berth, although rumours surrounding Steve Nash and a potential trade are still floating about before the March 15th deadline.
Oklahoma City are 16-1 at home this season and continued their winning ways last time out against the reigning Champions, the Dallas Mavericks, the 13th consecutive win they have had at home.
The Thunder will be hoping that Kevin Durant can pick up his form against the Suns, as he has averaged just 17.3 points in his last 3 games in the series against them. He had a season low 12 points against Phoenix at home earlier this season, but he averages 28.1 points per game on the season and is sure to bounce back to that kind of form against the Suns.
Marcin Gortat is one of the better big men in the League and the Suns will be hoping he can continue his good run against one of the best defenders in the paint, Kendrick Perkins. Steve Nash will also have to do better in his personal duel with Russell Westbrook after the Canadian has struggled in his last 4 games against the Thunder.
Head to Head
Oklahoma City have won the last 4 games in the series against Phoenix, although they are just 2-2 against the spread in those games.
The Thunder have gone 3-1 at home in the last 4 games against Phoenix. However, they are just 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 here against the Suns.
Oklahoma City are 9-8 against the spread at home this season, Phoenix are 8-10 on the road.
Oklahoma City are 18-16 against the spread when set as the favourite, Phoenix are 12-13 as the underdog.
Other Interesting Trends
Phoenix are 4-11 against the spread in their last 15 games as the road underdog being given between 5 and 10.5 points.
They are 3-7 against the spread in their last 10 games against a team with a winning record at home.
Prediction
I am going to back the Oklahoma City Thunder to win and cover the spread for the following reasons:
First, Phoenix are playing one game on the road before returning home for another 4 game homestand. They may not be completely focused on this game as a one off road game.
Second, the Suns are 3-7 against the spread in their last 10 games when playing on the first of back to back nights play.
Third, Oklahoma City did beat Phoenix by 10 points earlier this season and have been very strong at home all season.
The Pick :
Oklahoma City 107-96 Phoenix Suns
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Oklahoma City Thunder -9.5 Points @ 1.92 (Ladbrokes)
