Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder (-6.5) Betting Odds

Coming off Sunday's 109-107 overtime win over Minnesota, the Thunder (33-21, 33-21 ATS) have piled up nine consecutive victories. Oklahoma City failed to cover against the Timberwolves, the second straight game it hasn't beat the spread, but the team is still 5-2 ATS in its past seven games. The Thunder are also on a solid run at home, going 3-1 in their past four games at the Ford Center.

Kevin Durant's absurd streak of scoring 25 points or more continues. The last time he submitted a less than stellar effort was December 19 against Houston. Since then, he's been a one-man wrecking crew. If he continues at his current pace, he'll easily average over 30 points per game this season. Oklahoma City is also gaining a reputation for its defense. The team ranks seventh in the NBA at 95.9 points allowed per game and first overall in opponents' field-goal percentage (43.7 percent).. There have been lapses over the past two games-allowing 118 and 107 points to the Knicks and Wolves, respectively-which have led to blown games against the spread.

Phoenix (34-23, 30-25-1 ATS) picked up its eighth win in 10 games with Sunday's 104-88 romp over Sacramento. The Suns have been just as efficient for NBA betting fans by racking up an 8-2 record against the spread during that stretch. They've been a little shakier over the past few weeks though (3-2 ATS). Phoenix has covered five of its last six games away from home.

The Suns remain the NBA's highest-scoring team at 109.2 points per outing. Amare Stoudemire leads the team with 21.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, and trade rumors at the deadline haven't affected his play. That's largely because he feeds off of Steve Nash; the All-Star point guard is enjoying perhaps his finest season with 17.6 points and 11.2 points per game. Unfortunately, Nash won't be in action tonight. His back is bothering him and he skipped the trip to Oklahoma City. Without him, the Phoenix offense will certainly suffer.

Oklahoma City topped Phoenix 117-113 the last time they met, but the Suns are 4-1 against the Thunder in their past five meetings. The Thunder still enjoy a 3-2 edge against the spread, however. If you play the total-which is 202 at SPORTSBETTING.com-it went over in their last matchup and has done so three times in their past five games.

Game Pick - Prediction
The Thunder don't have as big an edge at home as some teams, but one thing they do is cover in their home wins. Oklahoma City has covered the betting line in 14 of their 16 home wins and have won by 7 or more points in 13 of their last 15 home wins.
Take the Thunder minus the 6.5 points