Oklahoma City Thunder vs Phoenix Suns 27 October 2026 Prediction

Oklahoma City will host Phoenix on the second night of a back-to-back, following a game against the Clippers. The Suns are coming off a 131-122 win over a shorthanded Golden State team, which followed a 124-83 loss in Portland. Can they keep up with the Western Conference favorites?

Oklahoma City Puts Team Success First

The Thunder have opened the regular season with the defense that made them title favorites. After beating San Antonio 116-104 on the road, they held Denver to 36 second-half points in a 96-84 win. That game also ended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s streak of 141 consecutive games with at least 20 points. He had 17 when Denver pulled its starters with about 90 seconds left, and he asked to come out.

“He had a historic streak going, a truly remarkable one. The maturity he showed in that moment deserves respect. Of all the things I admire about him, that’s near the top. It says a lot about him as an athlete,” manager Mark Daigneault said.

Despite several offseason trades, Oklahoma City has kept the core of the team Daigneault built. Its rotation remains deep enough to handle back-to-back games.

Oklahoma City Predicted Lineup: Gilgeous-Alexander, Wallace, Jalen Williams, Holmgren, Hartenstein

Out: Oweh (injury)

Manager: Mark Daigneault

Phoenix Responds After Portland Loss

Phoenix fell behind Portland 21-0 and made just 6 of 31 three-point attempts in its 124-83 loss. The Suns responded by beating Golden State 131-122. Devin Booker led them again, finishing with 43 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Phoenix shot 58% from the field.

That result needs context: Golden State was playing its third game in four days and rested Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Draymond Green and Al Horford. Even against a depleted lineup, Phoenix allowed 122 points and lost the rebounding battle 54-46, giving up 19 offensive rebounds. Starting center Mark Williams remains out, while Ighodaro is dealing with a minor injury. That leaves Maluach with a demanding matchup.

Phoenix Predicted Lineup: Booker, Green, Brooks, Bridges, Maluach

Out: Mark Williams (injury)

Manager: Jordan Ott

Oklahoma City Won Last Season’s Playoff Series

The Thunder won three of five regular-season meetings in 2025-26, with scores of 123-119, 138-89 and 136-109. Phoenix won the other two, 108-105 and 135-103. Oklahoma City then swept the Suns in the first round of the playoffs, winning 119-84, 120-107, 121-109 and 131-122.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Prediction: Thunder Handicap -10.5

Main prediction: Booker’s performance against Golden State does not resolve Phoenix’s rebounding problems without Mark Williams. Oklahoma City controlled the playoff series, and its frontcourt pairing of Holmgren and Hartenstein should have an advantage here, even on the second night of a back-to-back. The pick is Oklahoma City -10.5.

Team total prediction: Phoenix scored freely against Golden State’s reserves but managed only 83 points against Portland. Oklahoma City has defended well to start the season and held the Suns to 109 points or fewer in three of their four playoff meetings. The pick is Phoenix team total under 109.5.