Thunder Game Day: OKC Looking for Bounce Back Win in Phoenix

The Thunder are hoping to start a new winning streak on the West coast.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to bounce back as they continue their road trip.

The Thunder are matching up with the Phoenix Suns for the second time this season. OKC used a big fourth quarter in their other meeting to get an impressive road win.

Sunday’s game will be part of a back-to-back for both teams. The Suns will finish theirs after a loss win against the Houston Rockets, and the Thunder will be on the front end before meeting the Lakers in Los Angeles on Monday.

Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 2-point favorites against the Suns and the total over/under is 236.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Any game involving the Suns will be dominated by the stars. The Suns’ All-Star duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are trying to help their team up the standings and a win against the Thunder would be massive. However, Booker’s Injury late in Saturday’s game could change that.

Throughout the game, Lu Dort and Cason Wallace will likely be matched up with the big names. Although stopping Booker and Durant is nearly impossible, winning becomes much easier if the Thunder can slow them down.

Meanwhile, the Thunder’s big three, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, will be at the forefront of their attack. Although the MVP candidate and two rising stars have helped the Thunder compete for a top seed in the West, the Thunder’s depth might be the deciding factor in Phoenix.

Headlined by Isaiah Joe, Oklahoma City’s bench attack could play a significant factor in the game. If he can build on his 15-point performance in San Antonio, Oklahoma City’s sharpshooter could be a problem for Phoenix.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (41-18) vs. Phoenix Suns (35-25)

INJURIES:

Check out our live injury tracker, along with our game day injury report that will release later today.

WHEN:

Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 8:30 p.m. CT

LOCATION:                         

Footprint Center - Phoenix, AZ

TV/RADIO:                          

ESPN, Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

Live Stream: fuboTV (Start Your Free Trial)

FINAL WORD:               

Starting well on one of the season’s toughest back-to-backs is critical for the Thunder. And against a potential playoff opponent, playing a high-stakes game in March can provide valuable experience for the young group.

The Thunder will finish their season series against the Lakers in Crypto.com Arena on Monday before finishing their four-game road trip in Portland on Wednesday.

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