At 31-7, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s total wins almost match the Washington Wizards’ total losses, so it’s no surprise to see a massive spread as these teams square off tonight at Capital One Arena.
OKC’s 15-game win streak was snapped this week but a new one is already underway, and my Thunder vs Wizards predictions expect the visitors to get rolling early here without much resistance from the overmatched hosts.
Check out my NBA picks for this January 12 battle between two teams heading in opposite directions.
Thunder vs Wizards prediction
My best bet
Thunder first half -9 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t get to the top of the Western Conference by taking pity on weakling opponents, and tonight’s contest feels like the kind of most lopsided matchup that could get out of hand in a hurry.
The relentless Thunder responded to a rare loss — a 129-122 setback against the Cleveland Cavaliers — by blitzing the New York Knicks on Friday. That included a 70-43 half-time lead, and I’m picking OKC to deliver another dominant first half here while flexing its muscles on both ends of the floor.
The numbers are compelling. The visitors have cashed in the 1H moneyline in 23 of their last 33 road games and boast the NBA’s best first-half point differential on their travels. They’ve also hit the 1Q moneyline in 19 of their past 25 outings away from Paycom Center.
The 6-30 Washington Wizards are stumbling from loss to loss, with their latest skid sitting at five games, and they’ve recorded a league-worst -6.7 1H point differential this season. There’s really no case for that number getting any better tonight.
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams on the attack, backed by a ferocious defense, I see the Thunder making short work of Washington and giving their starters some valuable rest. Unfortunately for Washington, the visitors’ depth is another major strength.
Thunder vs Wizards same-game parlay
Thunder first half -9
Isaiah Hartenstein Over 4.5 assists
Jordan Poole Over 19.5 points
Isaiah Hartenstein has been a key contributor for the Thunder with Chet Holmgren still sidelined, and it’s his playmaking that’s caught the eye lately.
Hartenstein has finished with six or more assists in four of his last five contests, and he dished out eight dimes in midweek against the Cavs. When defenses collapse on Gilgeous-Alexander, the former Knicks big man becomes an important escape valve to keep possessions moving.
As good as this OKC defence is, Alex Caruso is out, and that should give Jordan Poole a little more breathing room on the perimeter.
He’s still going to have to navigate Cason Wallace and SGA, but Poole has poured in 21 points or more in five straight outings. Plus, he’s never shy about jacking up shots in a losing cause, and he’s drained five or more triples in six of his last seven games.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Thunder vs Wizards odds
Thunder vs Wizards live odds
Thunder vs Wizards opening odds
- Spread: Oklahoma City 16.5 | Washington +16.5
- Moneyline: Oklahoma City -1100 | Washington +700
- Over/Under: Over 229 | Under 229
Odds courtesy of bet365
Thunder vs Wizards spread and Over/Under analysis
- A 16-point line reflects the Thunder’s 14-4 road record and the Wizards’ 13-22-1 ATS mark.
- OKC has won the past five meetings between these teams, covering the spread in four of those victories.
- The Over is 7-2-1 in the past 10 meetings between these teams.
- Washington has given up more than 130 points in three of its last five contests.
Thunder vs Wizards trend
The Wizards have hit the third-quarter Over in 17 of their last 24 games at Capital One Arena. Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Wizards.
How to watch Thunder vs Wizards
| Location: | Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. |
| Date: | Sunday, 1-12-2025 |
| Tip-off: | 6:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FDSNOK, MNMT |
Thunder vs Wizards latest injuries
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