Phoenix at Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City is far superior to Phoenix in talent and depth. The Thunder's dominance was on full display this past Sunday in Game 1. Oklahoma City won, 119-84. The Thunder led by as many as 39 points. They played all 14 of their active players. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made only 5 of 18 field goals and sat out the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City shot just 30.4% from 3-point range. Yet the Thunder still won by 35 points. This does not bode well for the Suns, who needed to win two games in the play-in just to reach this point. The Thunder are determined to become repeat champions for the first time since 2018. They also blew out the Suns twice during the regular season, 138-89, Dec. 10 in Oklahoma City in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, and 136-109, on Feb. 11. Making matters even worse for the Suns are injuries. Jordan Goodwin didn’t play in the second half after aggravating his left calf in the first half. Mark Williams missed a second straight game with left foot soreness, and Grayson Allen also sat out a second straight game due to a left hamstring strain. Take the Thunder.