As the Oklahoma City Thunder tirelessly pursue the Play-In Tournament, the Phoenix Suns will attempt to protect their comfortable playoff spot as they’re beyond the Play-In Tournament. They face off in an afternoon showdown that can benefit both teams with a win. 

Thunder vs. Suns Start Time and Where to Watch

• Date: March 19, 2023
• Gametime: 3:30 pm ET
• Where to watch: NBA League Pass

Thunder vs. Suns Odds

• Spread: Suns +1 (-108), Thunder -1 (-112)
• Moneyline: Suns (+105), Thunder (-118)
• Total: Over 235 (-110), Under 235 (-108)

Thunder vs. Suns Prediction

This game has some fun potential. The two squads have faced off, with the Suns taking both games handily. This time, though, Phoenix will be without Deandre Ayton and Kevin Durant, who didn’t play in either of the first two matchups. 

For the Thunder, they can retake the eighth seed with a win. The bottom end of the playoff barrel is ever-changing and has seen little to no consistency this season. Oklahoma City can capitalize on that and get their first postseason action since their rebuild began. 

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Both teams are dealing with injuries, though the Suns’ absences impact them more, and the Thunder need to be able to jump on those weaknesses. Ayton has been an issue for the Thunder in the last two matchups, so now the Thunder can focus their attention on Devin Booker, who scored 30 first-half points in the last matchup with these teams. Expect a Booker and Chris Paul show today because that will be their path to winning as 1-point underdogs. 

Thunder vs. Suns Player Prop Picks

Devin Booker Over 31.5 points (-130) Bet $130 to collect $230) DraftKings has the best odds; click here to bet

Now, without Durant healthy, Booker has already had to shoulder a bigger load, and he’s stepped up to that challenge, averaging 32.6 points per game in March thus far. He’s been unstoppable in a portion of those games, despite a three-game skid from the Suns. Ayton is out for the Suns, too, tomorrow. That adds another level of difficulty for the Suns and forces Booker and Paul to bring out their best tomorrow. If Booker can put together a game like we’ve seen in six 30+ point games this month, him covering this prop should be a breeze. Factor in his 30 points scored before the halftime buzzer in the last matchup against the Thunder, and this prop looks much better. 

Chris Paul Over 9.5 assists (-110) Bet $110 to collect $210) DraftKings has the best odds; click here to bet

Again, this will be the Booker and Paul show, and it will have to be if they want to win this game or keep it winnable. However, that looks much different for Paul than it does for Booker. At his best, Paul will give you an efficient 15 to 20 points while dishing out some elite assists. He can control the game with his IQ and passing, and that’s where he will manage this game today. He’s averaging 9.9 assists per game this month and has racked up some big assist games, and today will have to be another one of those. 

Jalen Williams Under 16.5 points (-115) Bet $115 to collect $215) DraftKings has the best odds; click here to bet

At surface value, this play might look stupid. Williams is averaging 21.7 points per game in March. He didn’t cover in his last game, but that’s because Toronto allowed no Thunder player any easy shots, and the entire squad had offensive issues. The thing about Williams and his incredible play has been that he’s done it efficiently, sometimes shooting just around 10 shots. He’s not putting up 15 or more shots with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey both playing, though he’s capable, making it hard to cover points props consistently. The Suns have noticed his increased production and will gameplan to slow it down. As a rookie, that’s hard to rebuttal, and it is a good part of the learning curve as a rookie. He will likely hit the under while not shooting with good volume to have covered.

Thunder vs. Suns Player Prop Picks