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Oklahoma City Thunder vs Washington Wizards Game Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the NBA’s only undefeated team, opening their title defense at 5-0 as they host the Washington Wizards on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Paycom Center. Tipoff is set for 8:00 PM ET, airing on FDSO.
Oklahoma City is coming off a 107-101 win over Sacramento and will look to continue its dominant start behind MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Wizards, meanwhile, enter at 1-3 after dropping a 139-134 overtime heartbreaker to Philadelphia, despite a breakout game from second-year big man Alexandre Sarr.
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Line Movement and Odds
- Spread: Thunder -15.5 (-104), Wizards +15.5 (-114)
- Moneyline: Thunder -1065, Wizards +673
- Total: 231.5 (Over/Under)
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Washington Wizards Outlook
Washington’s young roster continues to show flashes of potential, even amid defensive struggles. Rookie standout Alexandre Sarr has been phenomenal early, averaging 19.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.0 blocks per game. He delivered 31 points and 11 rebounds in Tuesday’s overtime loss to the 76ers, demonstrating both power and finesse in the paint.
The Wizards are also expecting a boost from Bilal Coulibaly, who is set to make his season debut after offseason thumb surgery. Coulibaly adds much-needed defensive versatility to a team that ranks 26th in defensive efficiency, allowing 119.1 points per 100 possessions.
Coach Brian Keefe emphasized playing through Sarr’s unique passing ability, with the 7-footer recording five assists in three straight games. However, Washington must clean up its defensive rotations and limit turnovers to compete with Oklahoma City’s disciplined pace.
Injury Report
- Bilal Coulibaly (F) – Probable, Thumb
- Marvin Bagley III (F) – Questionable, Ankle
Oklahoma City Thunder Outlook
The Thunder continue to look every bit the reigning champions, though their perimeter shooting has lagged behind expectations. Oklahoma City ranks last in the NBA at 28.8% from three, but coach Mark Daigneault insists it’s a small-sample issue, not a long-term flaw.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the engine of the offense, averaging 30.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists through five games. He scored 31 in Tuesday’s win over Sacramento, overcoming a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
While Chet Holmgren (back) remains sidelined, the Thunder’s defense has picked up the slack. Oklahoma City ranks third in field goal percentage allowed (42.0%) and fifth in points allowed per game (110.8). Luguentz Dort, despite struggling from deep (17.9%), continues to anchor the perimeter with elite defense.
The Thunder have won six straight against Washington, with their last loss in the series dating back to January 2022.
Injury Report
- Chet Holmgren (C) – Out, Back
- Kenrich Williams (F) – Probable, Rest
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
The frontcourt battle between Alexandre Sarr and Jalen Williams will set the tone. Sarr’s playmaking and rim protection give Washington versatility, but Oklahoma City’s depth, defense, and composure in clutch moments remain unmatched.
The Wizards need to control tempo and limit live-ball turnovers to avoid letting the Thunder’s transition game take over. Conversely, OKC must rediscover its perimeter rhythm and avoid over-reliance on isolation plays from Gilgeous-Alexander.
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Betting Trends
- Thunder are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.
- Wizards are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
- The Over has hit in 6 of Washington’s last 7 road games.
- Thunder are 5-0 straight up vs. Wizards since 2022.
Prediction
Oklahoma City has too much defensive balance and late-game execution for Washington to handle, but the Wizards’ offensive pace and Sarr’s emergence could keep this one closer than expected. Expect OKC to win comfortably, though not by enough to cover the hefty spread.
Projected Score: Thunder 126, Wizards 115
Best Bet: Wizards +15.5 (-114)
Total Lean: Over 231.5 (-110)
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