The Thunder are looking for their second win at home this season as the Kings visit OKC this Tuesday. Get the inside line on this all-Western Conference matchup with our Kings vs. Thunder prediction and picks. Tip-off is scheduled for 8pm CT (9pm ET) at the Paycom Center, home of the Thunder.
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Note: This article was written before OKC’s game against Dallas on October 27.
Kings suffer second loss
The Sacramento Kings (1-2) failed to take advantage of Luka Doncic’s absence on Sunday as they went down to the Lakers 127-120 for their second loss in the opening three games of the 2024-25 NBA season. Zach LaVine picked up 32 points in defeat, shooting 12-24 from the field and 4-9 from behind the line. The guard has passed the 30-point mark in all three of the Kings games so far, averaging 31.0 ppg (eighth among NBA players).
Sacramento is looking to re-enter the playoffs this season after falling at the play-in stage for the last two years. In 2024-25 the Kings went 40-42 in the regular season and finished fourth in the Pacific Division. They suffered a heavy loss to the Mavericks in the first round of the play-in tournament to end their interest in the postseason.
On the injury front, the Kings remain without power forward Keegan Murray, who contributed 12.4 ppg and a team-high 6.4 rebounds last season. The fourth-year pro is expected to sit until the end of November with a thumb injury. Shooting guard Nique Clifford, who Sacramento got with the 24th pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, picked up a hamstring strain during his pro debut and will also miss out against OKC.
Thunder keep up winning habit
The Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0) were made to sweat in an unexpectedly tough start to the defense of the franchise’s first NBA Championship title. OKC was taken to double overtime by both Houston and Indiana but came through to win those games. Last time out it had a rather easier run of things, taking down the Hawks 117-100 with 30+-point nights from both Chet Holmgren and Shae Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander has flown out of the blocks after beating Nikola Jokic to last year’s MVP crown. The guard averaged 40.0 ppg through OKC’s first three to lead all NBA players, helped, of course, by that extra court-time against the Rockets and Pacers. SGA is also contributing 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists while shooting 52.7% from the field. He put up 32.7 ppg (1st in NBA), 6.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists during last year’s MVP-winning season, also taking the Finals MVP award as the Thunder took down Indiana in seven games to win the crown.
There are a number of injury concerns going into Tuesday’s game for the Thunder. Alex Caruso (concussion), Isaiah Joe (knee), Jalen Williams (wrist), Nikola Topic (groin), Kenrich Williams (knee) and Thomas Sorber (knee) all missed against Dallas the previous night and the last four are expected to miss at least two more weeks of action, in Sorber’s case, the entire season.
Kings vs. Thunder PickKings vs. Thunder Spread Pick Thunder to cover (5 Units)
I am backing the Thunder to cover in front of their own fans on Tuesday. OKC took all three games off Sacramento last season and won in the Kings’ sole visit to the Paycom Center by a 31-point margin. The Thunder went 37-15-2 ATS last year playing in front of their own fans. Sacramento has started the year 0-3 ATS and went 21-30-2 in 2024-25 playing as an underdog. Murray’s continued absence for the Kings gives OKC a further edge, and they should cover with ease.
Take the Thunder.
Kings vs. Thunder Over/Under Pick
While playing two double overtime games already hasn’t hurt their totals, the Thunder are once again showing they are one of the NBA’s top offensive teams and that it is a good idea to back the over, especially when they are playing at home. OKC scored at a rate of 127.7 ppg in their opening three games, ranking third in the league, while last year it placed fourth with an average of 120.5 ppg and hit the over in 58.5% of its home matchups. Both of these teams take a lot of shots, with the Thunder averaging … FGA/G (2nd in NBA) and the Kings 92.0 (7th in NBA). The Kings’ mark of 41.2% accuracy from the 3-point line is the second-best in pro basketball. Expect a lot of action around the nets on Tuesday and for this game to finish with a big score.
Take the under.
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