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Trae Young Wants Hawks to Emulate Thunder’s Formula
Trae Young has never been shy about ambition — but this year, his inspiration hits closer to home.
As the Atlanta Hawks prepare to host the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night at State Farm Arena, Young is drawing motivation from his Oklahoma roots — and from what the Thunder accomplished last season.
“I think I was more motivated this summer, being from Oklahoma and seeing those guys win a championship,” Young said. “It didn’t just take one player — it took the whole team. It only takes one year for it to click, and I’m feeling good about this year.”
The Hawks and Thunder enter this matchup on very different paths, but both teams share a focus on growth and chemistry — two things that defined Oklahoma City’s rise from contender to champion.
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Game Information
Matchup: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Atlanta Hawks
Venue: State Farm Arena – Atlanta, GA
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Broadcast: FDSS
Odds: Thunder -6.5 (-111) | Hawks +6.5 (-110) | O/U 235.5
Get live line movement and player prop updates on the NBA Odds Page.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Champions Playing Like It
The Thunder are off to a 2-0 start, both wins coming in double overtime — an unprecedented feat in NBA history. They defeated Houston 125-124 in the opener and followed it up with a 141-135 thriller over Indiana, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 55-point explosion.
Gilgeous-Alexander, now arguably the league’s most complete player, has been unstoppable — averaging 45 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5 assists in 46.5 minutes per game. Head coach Mark Daigneault praised his focus:
“He’s constantly self-reflecting. Constantly self-critical. He’s always thinking about how to get better.”
Oklahoma City’s offense has picked up where it left off last season. The Thunder rank fourth in points per game (133) and lead the league in free throws made (32.5) at an 85.5% clip. Even with multiple rotation players sidelined — including Alex Caruso (concussion) and Jalen Williams (wrist surgery) — the Thunder’s depth remains a strength.
Chet Holmgren is averaging 21.5 points and 9.5 rebounds, though he’s listed as questionable with back soreness. Rookie Ajay Mitchell has been an early surprise, averaging 21 points off the bench.
Find expanded player data and lineup trends for OKC on the NBA Teams Hub.
Atlanta Hawks: Finding Their Identity Early
After being crushed by Toronto in their opener, the Hawks (1-1) responded with a comeback win over Orlando on Friday night. They erased a 14-point second-half deficit thanks to Trae Young’s 25 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter.
Atlanta’s youth and depth are already being tested — Zaccharie Risacher (ankle) and Kristaps Porziņģis (illness) both sat out Friday. Still, the Hawks got major contributions from Nickeil Alexander-Walker (19 points) and Mouhamed Gueye (13 points, eight rebounds).
“We miss K.P. and Zach, but we’ve got guys ready to go,” Gueye said. “We’ve got to do it again on Saturday.”
Atlanta’s defensive focus has quietly improved. The Hawks rank second in the league in three-pointers allowed (7.5 per game) and sixth in free throws made, showing discipline on both ends. Young, meanwhile, continues to carry the offense — averaging 23.5 points and 9 assists — and has historically performed well against Oklahoma City, averaging 24.2 points and 9.9 assists in 13 career meetings.
Check team splits and home/road performance stats on the NBA Picks section.
Betting Insights and Trends
This matchup brings together two teams that play fast, shoot often, and thrive in transition. The Thunder’s scoring consistency and the Hawks’ defensive improvements make for an intriguing clash of styles.
Key Betting Trends:
- Thunder are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games.
- Hawks are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games against Western Conference teams.
- Over has hit in four of the Thunder’s last five games.
- Atlanta has hit the Over in six of its last eight at State Farm Arena.
Given both teams’ top-10 pace and elite free-throw rates, bettors can expect a game that leans toward the Over. However, Oklahoma City’s defensive efficiency and ability to close tight games may give them the edge against a Hawks team on tired legs.
Explore expert projections and model-backed wagers in the NBA Expert Betting Guide.
Matchup Breakdown
The key battle lies between two elite guards: Trae Young vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Young’s ability to manipulate defenses will be tested against OKC’s aggressive perimeter rotations, while Gilgeous-Alexander will look to exploit mismatches in isolation.
If Chet Holmgren suits up, Oklahoma City’s rim protection could neutralize Clint Capela and limit second-chance scoring for Atlanta. Conversely, if Holmgren sits, the Hawks might attack inside with Onyeka Okongwu and Banchero-esque drives from Wagner-type forwards like Gueye.
The Thunder’s pace and offensive cohesion remain their biggest advantages — even without their full roster — while Atlanta’s success hinges on limiting turnovers and getting quality looks from beyond the arc.
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Prediction
Both teams can light up the scoreboard, but Oklahoma City’s depth and Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-level form give them the edge. Expect the Hawks to compete early before the Thunder’s transition game takes over in the second half.
Projected Final Score: Oklahoma City Thunder 130, Atlanta Hawks 120
Best Bets: Thunder -6.5 | Over 235.5
For live odds, injury updates, and verified expert picks across all NBA matchups, visit the ScoresAndStats NBA Odds Hub.
