Oklahoma City Thunder vs Philadelphia-76ers Picks and Predictions December 28th 2025

Philadelphia 76ers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Picks and Predictions – December 28

The Philadelphia 76ers head to Paycom Center to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, December 28, in what looks like a lopsided affair on paper. Tipoff is set for 8:00 PM ET, and the Thunder are laying a massive -14.5 on their home floor — one of the largest spreads of the NBA season. The total sits at 225.5, reflecting a decent pace and expected scoring despite the heavy line.

OKC (23-9) has turned into a legitimate Western Conference contender and is dominant at home, while the 76ers (12-20) are without key starters and sliding fast in the East standings. With injuries piling up, oddsmakers are making it clear this is a mismatch — the question for bettors is whether the number is still beatable.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Odds

Below are the current lines. Always monitor the latest NBA odds for any updates on injuries or market movement.

Team	Moneyline	Spread	Total
Philadelphia 76ers	N/A	+14.5 (-113)	O 225.5 (-110)
Oklahoma City Thunder	N/A	-14.5 (-107)	U 225.5 (-110)

Philadelphia 76ers Betting Form

Philadelphia has spiraled in the absence of Joel Embiid, and their offense is suffering. Tyrese Maxey has taken on a massive load, but opposing defenses have caught on. The 76ers have dropped six of their last eight and are just 2-6 ATS in that stretch. Without Embiid’s interior presence, Philly is relying on mid-range pull-ups and transition buckets — not a recipe for success against OKC’s switch-heavy defense.

Defensively, they’re equally shorthanded. Rim protection is non-existent, and they’ve allowed 118+ points in four straight games. The bench has also thinned out considerably due to injuries and rotation changes.

Unless Maxey goes nuclear or Philly hits 40% from deep, this feels like a survival game. The effort may still be there, but the legs are clearly wearing down after a brutal December schedule.

Check the Philadelphia 76ers injury report for clarity, but don’t expect any miracles — this squad is running on fumes.

More numbers and trends are available via the Philadelphia 76ers stats and results.

Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Form

The Thunder have exceeded expectations across the board. They’re 23-9 overall and 9-1 in their last 10, going 7-3 ATS in that stretch. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an MVP level, and the supporting cast — including Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Josh Giddey — continues to produce on both ends.

At home, OKC is one of the most profitable teams in the league. They’re 13-3 SU at Paycom Center and covering big numbers more consistently than most contenders. They rank top 3 in offensive efficiency and top 5 in defensive rating, showing balance rarely seen in such a young core.

The Thunder also thrive in transition and force the 5th-most turnovers per game. That could be a huge problem for a depleted 76ers squad that lacks ball security and spacing.

Still, a -14.5 spread is no small number, and it’s worth watching the Oklahoma City Thunder injury report for any rest spots — especially with such a soft matchup on deck.

You can review the Oklahoma City Thunder schedule and stats for more detailed breakdowns.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Matchup Breakdown

The number tells you everything — this isn’t a normal game. It’s an elite team with championship upside facing a lottery-bound group missing their franchise player. And when you look at the key metrics, the spread is justified.

Key edges:

• Scoring depth: OKC has five players averaging double digits; Philly leans entirely on Maxey.
• Pace + pressure: Thunder rank 5th in pace, 4th in forced turnovers per game.
• Paint production: Without Embiid, Philly is bottom 6 in points in the paint; OKC is top 8.
• Efficiency gap: OKC is top 5 in net rating; Philly ranks 23rd.

It’s also a brutal schedule spot. The 76ers are on their third road game in five nights and have logged heavy minutes for starters due to their thin bench. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, is rested, healthy, and deep.

This is the kind of game where the Thunder can break it open in the second quarter, then coast late while still covering. If they stay sharp from deep, this could get ugly fast.

Brush up on how to bet blowouts in our NBA betting guide or see our sports betting strategy guide for tips on large-spread games.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Predictions and Best Bets

It’s always uncomfortable laying two touchdowns in the NBA, but the spot and matchup both scream value on the favorite. The Thunder have been crushing bottom-tier teams and have the athleticism, depth, and pace to overwhelm a shorthanded 76ers squad.

Unless Philly shoots lights out from three — which they haven’t all month — they’re going to struggle to keep up. If Embiid remains out and there’s no bench support, Maxey simply can’t carry 48 minutes of offense alone. And with OKC’s pressure defense, turnovers could fuel a fast start and a double-digit halftime lead.

I lean Under slightly just because OKC may pull starters early if the score gets out of hand, and Philly’s halfcourt offense is a grind right now. But this is mostly a play on the side.

Best Bet: Thunder -14.5 (-107).

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