Oklahoma City Thunder vs Toronto Raptors, NBA 2024-25 Season, Today Match Prediction

Teams Preview

Oklahoma City Thunder Preview

The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently 1st in the Northwest division and 1st in the Western Conference. Their record this season is 40-9 after their recent win against the Phoenix Suns. The Oklahoma City Thunder started their homestand with a win where Aaron Wiggins had a career-high 41 points and 14 rebounds, as the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled past the Sacramento Kings 114-110. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 29 points and nine assists for the Thunder, who set a season best for points and rebounds (70). Oklahoma City played without Jalen Williams, an All-Star selection and guard Alex Caruso but still outrebounded and outshot the Kings. Next game, the Oklahoma City Thunder routed the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks 125-96, where Oklahoma City shot 64.4% through the first three quarters. The Thunder hounded the Bucks reserves like they were regular starters, forcing the Bucks into 37.6% shooting. In their recent game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 50 points and the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder routed the Phoenix Suns 140-109 to improve to 40-9. The league’s best free throw shooting team was good again, making 24 of 27 and 40 of 60 shots inside the 3-point arc.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been averaging 117.2 points per game, 44.3 rebounds and 26.2 assists per game this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads their offense scoreboard averaging 32.5 points per game and 6.0 assists per game. In defence, Jalen Williams averages 5.6 rebounds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 2.0 steals per game and 1.0 blocks per game.

Offensively, the Thunder capitalize on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's all-around scoring and playmaking abilities. Jalen Williams court vision complements the team’s high-paced style, while Chet Holmgren provides interior scoring and rim protection with his shot-blocking prowess. Their two-point field goal percentage is strong, showing their ability to score inside effectively and have an average of 47.4% field goals. Their efficiency from the three-point range at around 35.7%. Their emphasis on ball movement is evident in their 26.2 assists per game and they convert 82.3% from the free throw line. Defensively, the Thunder are solid in protecting the rim, averaging 5.6 blocks and 11.1 steals per game. But their rebounding which is at 44.3 could see some improvement.

Key players include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to lead the team with elite scoring and playmaking, and Isaiah Hartenstein, whose rebounding and Jalen Williams assists fuel the Thunder's transition game. Defensive contributions from Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren enhance their interior and perimeter defense. Chet Holmgren, a standout rookie, also provides critical shot-blocking presence.

Injury- Ajay Mitchell, Chet Holmgren, Nikola Topic, Cason Wallace, Daniel Theis.

Toronto Raptors Preview

The Toronto Raptors are currently 5th in the Atlantic division and 13th in the Eastern Conference. Their record this season is 16-35 after their recent loss against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Raptors recently started their homestand with a loss where they were defeated 106-122 by the Chicago Bulls, ending Toronto’s season-best winning streak at five. Next game, RJ Barrett scored 20 points, Jakob Poeltl had 10 points and 10 rebounds as the Toronto Raptors beat the Los Angeles Clippers 115-108 for their eight wins in the past 10 games. The Raptors shot 8 for 9 on fast-break opportunities in the third, outscoring the Clippers 17-2. The Raptors were then defeated 115-121 by the New York Knicks in the third game of their homestand. The entire Raptors team combined for 12 rebounds in the first two quarters. In the last game of their homestand, the Toronto Raptors were defeated 107-138 by the Memphis Grizzlies. Toronto was without their leading scorer RJ Barrett for the second straight game and center Jakob Poeltl. Barnes didn’t score his first points until the final two minutes of the first half. He shot 4 for 18 and went 0 for 7 from 3-point range.

The Toronto Raptors have been averaging 111.3 points per game, 43.9 rebounds and 29.0 assists per game this season. RJ Barrett leads their offensive scoreboard averaging 21.6 points per game and Scottie Barnes with 6.4 assists per game. In defence, Jakob Poeltl averages 10.1 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and Scottie Barnes with 1.4 steals per game.

Offensively, they are a solid team in field goal percent averaging 47.1% but struggle with perimeter efficiency, which has limited their offensive ceiling. Their three-point efficiency averages 35.2%. The team averages 29.0 assists per game, reflecting an emphasis on sharing the ball, but struggles with turnovers 15.2 and converts 74.7% from the free throw line. Defensively, the Toronto Raptors have been inconsistent. They tend to allow too many easy baskets in the paint, especially when facing teams with dominant big men. Their rebounding performance is also inconsistent averaging 43.9 rebounds. They average 4.6 blocks and 7.8 steals, showing some defensive ability.

Key players to watch include RJ Barrett, who anchors their scoring and rebounding efforts, and Scottie Barnes, who excels as a versatile forward with playmaking and defensive skills. Jakob Poeltl remains pivotal in controlling the paint.

Injury- Immanuel Quickley, Ochai Agbaji, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Toronto Raptors Starting Lineups