Oklahoma City Thunder Soar While Charlotte Hornets Struggle for Consistency
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Charlotte Hornets: Game Preview & Predictions
The Oklahoma City Thunder (24-5) will look to extend their impressive run as they visit the struggling Charlotte Hornets (7-23) on December 28, 2024. The Thunder have been a dominant force in the Western Conference, while the Hornets continue to battle through a tough season in the Eastern Conference. This game presents a stark contrast in team form, with OKC on a nine-game hot streak and Charlotte stuck in a six-game losing slump. The tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
Oklahoma City Thunder: A Team in Full Flight
The Oklahoma City Thunder have firmly established themselves as one of the NBA’s most formidable teams this season. Sitting atop the Western Conference with a 24-5 record, they are a team that blends offensive firepower with suffocating defense. With an 18-10-2 mark against the spread (ATS), the Thunder have covered the spread in 75% of their games, highlighting their consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
Oklahoma City ranks 9th in the NBA in scoring, averaging 114.1 points per game. This offensive efficiency is driven by the stellar play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is second in the league with an average of 31.1 points per game. Jalen Williams provides valuable support, chipping in 21.5 points per contest, while Isaiah Hartenstein offers a double-threat with 12.6 points and a team-leading 12.6 rebounds per game.
On the defensive side, the Thunder have been truly exceptional. They lead the NBA, allowing just 103.3 points per game. This defensive tenacity has been a key factor in their nine wins over the past ten games, as they’ve been able to stifle opposing offenses with regularity.
Even though rookie sensation Chet Holmgren has played just 10 games this season and is currently sidelined with a hip injury, the Thunder have continued to roll. They’ve won their last four games, including a thrilling 120-114 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, where Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 45 points on an efficient 15-22 shooting. On Monday, he led the Thunder to a 123-105 win over the Washington Wizards, scoring 41 points.
Charlotte Hornets: Struggling to Find Consistency
On the flip side, the Charlotte Hornets are mired in a season of struggles, sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 7-23 record. Their offense has been one of the least efficient in the NBA, ranked 28th in scoring with just 106.5 points per game. Despite ranking 3rd in the league for three-point attempts, the Hornets have struggled to capitalize on these opportunities, shooting just 34.8% from beyond the arc, which ranks 22nd.
Despite their poor team performance, the Hornets have seen some standout individual performances. LaMelo Ball continues to be a bright spot, averaging 30.1 points per game, good for 4th in the NBA. The dynamic guard also contributes with 7.6 assists per game, making him one of the most exciting players to watch in a struggling franchise. Brandon Miller, a promising rookie, has added 21.4 points per game to the Hornets’ scoring effort.
However, the Hornets’ defensive issues have only compounded their offensive struggles. They rank 20th in defensive efficiency, and their inability to stop opposing offenses has been a significant issue during their current six-game losing streak.
In their most recent game, Charlotte fought hard but fell short in a 113-110 loss to the Washington Wizards. Ball led the way with 31 points, but the Hornets couldn’t overcome a late-game collapse. Against the spread, Charlotte has struggled, posting a 1-5 record ATS in their last six games.
Conclusion
Given the disparity in team form and talent, the Oklahoma City Thunder are heavily favored in this contest. They enter this game riding a wave of momentum, while Charlotte is dealing with multiple issues, both offensively and defensively. The Hornets will need a near-perfect performance to even keep the game close.
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