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NBA Prediction | OKC Thunder NBA Champions 2025

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ASA NBA Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder: Champions of the 2024-25 NBA Season +700

The Oklahoma City Thunder, coming off an impressive season, have set the stage for what many are predicting to be their championship year in 2024-25. Here’s why the Thunder are not just contenders but our bet to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy:

Statistical Dominance in 2023-24:

Net Scoring Margin: The Thunder ranked second only behind the Boston Celtics in Net Scoring Margin with a +7.3-scoring margin. This team could not only score at will but also was suffocating opponents defensively.

Offensive and Defensive Efficiency: Finishing third in offensive efficiency, the Thunder’s system under Coach Mark Daigneault has evolved into a machine with great playmaking, shooting, and dynamic scoring. Their fourth-place finish in defensive efficiency highlights a roster that’s not just about flashy plays but also about stifling defense, with the 3rd best Effective Field Goal Percentage D at 52.7%. The Thunder were also tough to score on in the paint, allowing the 6th fewest points per game in the lane at 46.3ppg.

Home Court Advantage:

Record: A staggering 33-8 at home with an average scoring differential of +12.3 points per game speaks volumes. This Thunder team is in line for another 30+ win season on their home court which is one of the best in the NBA. Oklahoma City was 24-17 SU on the road in the regular season with an average plus/minus of +2.3ppg.

Strategic Additions:

Alex Caruso: Known for his defensive prowess and hustle, Caruso’s addition brings a level of tenacity and versatility that’s invaluable. His impact goes beyond stats, often being the catalyst for momentum shifts with his energy and basketball IQ. Caruso hit 40.8% of his 3-point attempts last season in 71 games for the Bulls while scoring 10.1ppg.

Isaiah Hartenstein: Hartenstein’s arrival addresses depth in the front court, adding size, rebounding, and a new dimension to the Thunder’s offensive sets with his passing out of the post. His fit next to Holmgren could revolutionize their defensive schemes, offering versatility against various offensive looks. Hartenstein averaged 8.3 rebounds per game last season with the Knicks and 1.1 blocks per game.

Core Continuity and Growth:

With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren returning, the Thunder maintain their core that’s both young and experienced. Gilgeous-Alexander, after narrowly missing the MVP last season, seems poised for a leap, potentially securing the award this year with the added support.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, with their depth, star power, and unparalleled efficiency, are not just poised to make noise in the playoffs; they’re positioned to end the season as NBA Champions. Their journey this year is not just about potential but about realizing it, making 2024-25 the year the Thunder claim their rightful place at the top of the NBA mountain.

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NBA Free Bet | 3-6-24 | Bucks vs Warriors

ASA FREE play on Golden State Warriors -4 vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 10PM ET

**ONLY IF GIANNIS IS OUT TONIGHT** The NBA free pick today. This line is telling us Giannis will not be in the lineup for the Bucks tonight which means we will back the Warriors at home minus the points. The Bucks have clearly seen a resurgence since the All-Star break with 6 straight wins and a defense that ranks best in the NBA over that time period.

As a Bucks fan I temper my enthusiasm though as two of those wins came against Charlotte, one versus a struggling Bulls team and one against Philly who had injury issues. The Warriors are coming off an embarrassing blowout loss in Boston on Sunday in a National TV showing.

I like Golden State to bounce back with a concentrated effort at home. The home team in this series has dominated with 6-straight wins including the Bucks getting a W on Jan 13th at home 129-118. You might be a bit surprised to know that the Bucks are 3-5 ATS as an underdog with a negative average differential in those games of -10.5PPG. G

olden State has dominated Eastern Conference teams this season with a 16-7 SU record and a +/- of +3.3PPG. Given the circumstances we like the Warriors minus the short number as a NBA free bet today.

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