Kevin Durant is off to Golden State. It’s time to see what Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder can do without him. The Thunder will begin their post-Durant phase by traveling to face the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016-17 season opener.
Oklahoma City may not have the same ceiling as it did with Durant in the fold, but this is a favorable game to start the season. The 76ers have been the worst team in the NBA for several years and there isn’t much hope for a huge turnaround. The Thunder can get off to a good start by taking care of business in this one away from home.
This war on the floor will go down Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at 8 p.m. ET at the Wells Fargo Center. The game will be televised live on TNT. We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Wednesday schedule.
Odds Analysis
The Thunder would have again been among the top contenders for the NBA title with Durant, but their projected win total now sits at 45.5, a far cry from what the team has done in the past. Oklahoma City is a bit of an unknown since Durant has been their best player for years, so the oddsmakers could have a tough time being definitive on a line in this one.
The 76ers should still be underdogs based on their futility. They have been poor both at home and on the road the last few years. They have a projected win total of 23.5 and even getting up there would be an accomplishment after failing to reach 20 wins in each of the past three seasons.
Player to Watch
Russell Westbrook - The high-flying Thunder point guard is expected to put up huge numbers this season. Without Durant to take a lot of the shots, this is clearly Westbrook’s team.
He averaged 23.5 points, 10.4 assists and 7.8 rebounds a season ago and will likely see his points go way up. Westbrook is one of the most talented players in the NBA, but the question is if there is enough talent around him.
The Thunder need a second scoring option to emerge as Westbrook won’t be able to do it all himself. Even so, expect him to dominate in this one as the 76ers don’t have anyone who can match up with him.
Injury Report
The 76ers hoped to improve this season after grabbing Ben Simmons with the No. 1 overall pick, but if it’s going to happen, they will be doing it without him for a long stretch.
Simmons broke his foot before the season and is expected to be out until January. Forward Nerlens Noel, another former top pick, had knee surgery recently and will not play in this one.
Forward Jahlil Okafor missed most of the preseason but did see the court late, so he should be ready for this contest. Center Joel Embiid missed his first two seasons because of injury but is finally back on the court and will play in this one.
The absence of Simmons and Noel hurts, but the Sixers hope Embiid can be the player many expected coming out of college. He and Okafor are a pair of nice building blocks and they will aim to lead the way in a possible upset.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Thunder are expected to take a step back this season while the 76ers hope to finally make some progress after a ton of rebuilding seasons.
Even so, there is a talent gulf between these teams. The presence of Embiid is intriguing as an athletic center can wreak havoc on opponent. However, he is still young in his maturation process and it’s unrealistic to think he will dominate right away against a good defensive ballclub.
Oklahoma City may run into some roadblocks as the season moves forward, but Westbrook should lead the way to a road victory in this regular season opener.
NBA Odds: Oklahoma City Thunder 111, Philadelphia 76ers 102
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
