Thunder Get 35-40% Title Odds
NBA analysts have given the Oklahoma City Thunder a commanding 35-40% chance of winning the championship, with the rest of the league seen as distant contenders at the All-Star break. The Thunder's title chances are closely tied to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's hand injury recovery timeline.
- The Thunder entered the All-Star break with the best record in the NBA at 42-14, ranking first in both defensive rating and net rating. - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been sidelined with an abdominal strain since a game on February 3 and is scheduled to be re-evaluated after the All-Star break. He has missed five consecutive games. - The team is also without All-NBA forward Jalen Williams, who is out with a hamstring strain and will also be re-evaluated after the All-Star break. - With Gilgeous-Alexander out, key players like center Chet Holmgren and guard Isaiah Joe have taken on larger roles. Holmgren is averaging 17.4 points and 8.7 rebounds for the season. - Despite the Thunder's strong record, the San Antonio Spurs have had success against them this season, holding a 4-1 record in their matchups, including two double-digit wins in December. - Betting markets list the Denver Nuggets (+600), Detroit Pistons (+1200), New York Knicks (+1300), and Boston Celtics (+1300) as the nearest championship contenders to the favored Thunder. - To bolster their backcourt amidst the injuries, the Thunder recently acquired guard Jared McCain in a trade deadline deal. - In their final game before the All-Star break, the injury-depleted Thunder lost to the Milwaukee Bucks 93-110, who were also playing without their star, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
