OKC Thunder vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Game Preview, Keys to the Game, Betting Odds

The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking on the Philadelphia 76ers in a game that will be forgettable from opening tip-off with each team short handed.

Jan 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and Philadelphia 76ers Pete Nance (22) battle for a rebound during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking on the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday in a game where both teams have a massive injury report that takes some of the luster out of this contest.

The Thunder have only dropped one game to a cross-conference foe and should continue that trend at home after a couple of off days. Oklahoma City rides a three game winning streak while the 76ers come in on a one game skid after a wild loss in Houston.

These two teams are linked in more ways than just this game. The OKC Thunder own the 76ers top-six protected first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft so the outcome tonight serves two purposes.

Let's dive into what to expect in a game with each side playing shorthanded.

Jan 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (19) reacts to his three pointer against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 10-point favorites against the Philadelphia 76ers, and the total over/under is 230.5 points according to FanDuel.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

The Oklahoma City Thunder could have a massive chance to display Chet Holmgren on the offensive end down its top two scorers tonight. This week, Holmgren has popped on that end and it could get him to stretch his legs offensively.

Oklahoma City would be able to blow this game out with a strong scoring night from Aaron Wiggins who should get plenty of chances with this lineup.

The Thunder need a big shooting night from beyond the arc to grow distance from a 76ers team that should labor to score with who is available.

Oklahoma City needs to take advantage of the lack of quality ball handlers on the 76ers and force a plethora of turnovers that parlay into easy points for a Thunder team down its top two bucket generators.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (56-12) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (23-45)

INJURIES:

Oklahoma City Thunder

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Rest) OUT
• Jalen Williams (Hip) OUT
• Lu Dort (Hip) OUT
• Ousmane Dieng (Calf) OUT
• Cason Wallace (Shoulder) Questionable
• Isaiah Hartenstein (Back) Questionable
• Alex Ducas (G League) Probable
• Nikola Topic (ACL) OUT
• Ajay Mitchell (Toe) OUT

Philadelphia 76ers

• Aden Bona (Ankle) OUT
• Andre Drummond (Toe) OUT
• Joel Embiid (Knee) OUT
• Paul George (Groin) OUT
• Eric Gordon (Wrist) OUT
• Kyle Lowry (Hip) OUT
• Tyrese Maxey (Back) OUT
• Jared McCain (Knee) OUT
• Lonnie Walter IV (Concussion) OUT
• Kelly Oubre (Knee) Doubtful
• Guerschon Yabusele (Knee) Questionable

Check out  later today for an updated injury report.

WHEN:

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM CT

LOCATION:

Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK

TV/RADIO:

FanDuel Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

FINAL WORD: 

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been stellar against the Eastern Conference this season, only dropping one game to a cross conference foe all season. The Thunder are gunning for a season-series sweep of the 76ers on Wednesday before the team enjoys another home game on Friday against the Charlotte Hornets.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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