When you put the records of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers side by side, you realize that these two teams are not very different. The betting world will maintain that it is still early in the season, which it is. But the Thunder’s 8-3 record and the 76ers’ 7-4 record are worth comparing. Both teams are playing better on the road than they are at home and both teams have struggled a little on defense. The comparisons between these two teams will probably fade as the season wears on, but it is interesting how they have both started the season in such similar ways.
The online casino players are avoiding any action on the Philadelphia 76ers because Andrew Bynum is still out with his bad knee. The 76ers paid a lot of money and made a lot of noise in bringing Bynum to Philadelphia. The hope is that, when Bynum finally takes the floor, it will elevate the team and help Philadelphia to be a playoff contender. But Bynum’s history gives fans a reason to pause and wonder if a mature leader will show up, or if the immature disrupter that Bynum has been in the past will take the floor for the 76ers.
Oklahoma City Thunder If you bet on sports, then you know that the Oklahoma City Thunder has a starting lineup that most teams would kill to have. Kevin Durant, Kendrick Perkins and Russell Westbrook create a powerful trio that can play offense and defense. The strength of the Thunder’s game is in the transition from defense to offense. The speed that is on the roster makes it difficult for just about any team to adjust to the Thunder as it rolls down the court. It is a part of the game that Andrew Bynum would help the 76ers control, which is just one reason why Bynum’s injury is so devastating to the 76ers.
Philadelphia 76ers The Philadelphia 76ers should be given a lot of credit for putting together a 7-4 record to start the season without Bynum in the lineup. But the betting sites know that the lack of the big man in the middle of the court will eventually start causing the 76ers games. The biggest problem the 76ers will have in this game is trying to deal with the speed of the Thunder without anyone to really offer a strong defensive rebounding presence.
The Bottom Line While this is not exactly a potential NBA finals preview, this is going to be a very good game. The 76ers have been able to be competitive throughout Bynum’s injury, mostly because this roster is used to playing without Bynum. But in this game, the outside speed of the Thunder will prove to be too much for the short-handed 76ers to be able to handle.
Click here for more information on how the Thunder intends to return to the NBA finals.
Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder