Phoenix Suns gear up for critical clash with Thunder as Jalen Williams makes his return
The Phoenix Suns are set to hit the road for an exciting matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Friday’s NBA Cup action, a game that promises to attract considerable attention from fans and bettors alike. With both teams eager to secure a victory, this contest offers a wealth of betting opportunities worth exploring. Here are three standout prop bets to consider as the game approaches.
Jalen Williams expected to light it up with OVER 13.5 points
Jalen Williams is making his long-awaited return to the court, and expectations are high. His career average of 18.1 points per game, along with a solid 14-point average during his rookie season, suggests that the line set at 13.5 points might be undervaluing his potential.
Recently, we’ve seen players bounce back from injuries and quickly resume their previous high-level performance, as was the case with Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro. Williams’ scoring prowess is particularly notable given his impressive average of 21.6 points per game last season, even while taking 16.9 shots per game.
Moreover, the Suns’ defensive statistics reveal a significant drop-off when they play away from home, with their defensive rating plummeting from 108.8 at home to 116.5 on the road. This could bode well for Williams, who might find himself in a position to score early and often in his season debut.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poised for another big night with OVER 30.5 points
When it comes to betting on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring, precision is key. He has scored 30 or more points in 16 of his 19 games this season, but hitting the 35-point mark has been a rarer feat, achieved just three times, with one occurring in a double-overtime game. His line for tonight rests at a more conservative 30.5, making the over a strong play.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been on a roll lately, scoring at least 31 points in four consecutive games and performing well against the Suns, where he’s reached 30 points in three of his last four matchups. Additionally, Phoenix has struggled defensively against point guards, allowing the most three-pointers, which plays directly into Gilgeous-Alexander’s strengths, as he has made two or more three-pointers in 13 of his 19 games this season. Notably, 13 of Oklahoma City’s 18 wins have come by margins of 10 points or more, adding to the confidence in his scoring ability.
Mark Williams trending upward with OVER 19.5 points + rebounds
Mark Williams has made quite the impression since joining the Phoenix Suns, averaging 12.9 points and 8.9 rebounds per game this season—resulting in a combined average of 21.8 points and rebounds. Over the last 14 games, his performance has escalated, averaging 23 points and rebounds collectively.
At home, Williams has averaged 19.8 points and rebounds, while his numbers rise to 27.5 on the road. Impressively, he has surpassed the combined line of 19.5 points and rebounds in five out of his last six road games, including a standout performance of 21 points and 16 rebounds against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. In his last four games, he has elevated his averages to 17.3 points and 10.3 rebounds, hitting the over in each of those contests leading into Friday’s matchup against the Thunder.
The opening tip-off for this highly anticipated game is scheduled for 7:30 PM MST. As always, remember that odds are subject to change. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, don’t hesitate to seek help by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.
