Published Dec 27, 10:38pm ET by
James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 27, 10:38pm ET
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Updated Dec 27, 10:38pm ET
One of the games on Sunday's NBA slate features the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Philadelphia 76ers. Who has the edge in our Thunder vs Sixers pick?
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| Oklahoma City Thunder | -15.5 (-110) |
| Philadelphia 76ers | +15.5 (-110) |
Following a 24-1 start, the defending champs have dropped four of their last six games. This includes a 117-102 setback against the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day.
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OKC trailed by nine points at the break. And any hopes it had of making a comeback were dashed, as the Spurs increased their advantage to 16 points (95-79) entering the final frame. The game's outcome was never in doubt the rest of the way.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander guided the offense with 22 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Isaiah Hartenstein added 13 points and 12 rebounds. Although five players reached double figures, the Thunder shot just 39 percent overall and 25 percent from beyond the arc.
The Sixers enter this matchup amid a two-game skid. Their latest setback includes a 109-102 loss to the Chicago Bulls.
Philly led 102-99 with 2:45 left in regulation following a basket by Joel Embiid. Unfortunately, that would be the last point the road team would produce, as Chicago concluded the game with a 10-0 burst for its fifth straight win.
Embiid was one of four starters who reached double figures. He scored a team-high 31 points and collected five rebounds. Tyrese Maxey contributed 27 points, along with eight assists and four rebounds.
Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of this contest.
The defending champs are a top-five team from a scoring perspective and have the top defense in the association. Additionally, OKC has won the last two meetings in this series and three of the last five overall.
Taking those trends into consideration, the edge goes to the Thunder.
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Pick
Oklahoma City Thunder
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