NBA big Games on Sunday, Oklahoma City Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks: Predictions, Analysis and Where to Watch
Game Schedule
- Date: Saturday, November 18, 2023
- Time: Tip-off is set for approximately 8:00 PM CST
- Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The Paycom Center, home to the Oklahoma City Thunder, is expected to be packed with fans for this anticipated showdown.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Thunder’s leading scorer and an All-Star, SGA has been pivotal to OKC’s success. |
Predictions
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks are both in the Western Conference, making this matchup crucial as they compete for a strong playoff position. The Thunder have shown marked improvement with their young roster led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, while the Mavericks, led by Luka Dončić, bring a high-powered offense and veteran leadership.
Prediction Breakdown:
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Known for their high-energy, fast-paced play, the Thunder rely on Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring, the versatility of Josh Giddey, and the defensive capabilities of Lu Dort. They are considered one of the most promising young teams, capable of pulling off upsets and maintaining tight games.
- Dallas Mavericks: Luka Dončić is the engine of the Mavericks’ offense, delivering exceptional scoring, playmaking, and rebounding. With Kyrie Irving as his backcourt partner, the Mavericks have a strong offensive duo that can challenge any defense. However, their defense can sometimes be inconsistent, which the Thunder might exploit.
Prediction: The game is expected to be closely contested, but the Mavericks have a slight edge due to their star power and experience. However, the Thunder’s energetic playstyle and home-court advantage could allow them to pull off an upset.
Key Players to Watch
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Oklahoma City Thunder:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Thunder’s leading scorer and an All-Star, SGA has been pivotal to OKC’s success. Known for his ability to create shots, drive to the basket, and facilitate, he’s a key player who can shift the game in OKC’s favor.
- Chet Holmgren: The rookie center adds much-needed rim protection and is capable of spacing the floor with his shooting, making him a potential game-changer for OKC.
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Dallas Mavericks:
- Luka Dončić: As one of the NBA’s most versatile stars, Dončić is a triple-threat with scoring, rebounding, and assists. His ability to control the game and make clutch shots makes him the most important player on the floor.
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Luca Doncic - Kyrie Irving: Known for his ball-handling, scoring, and experience in high-stakes games, Irving complements Dončić’s playmaking abilities and can provide the Mavericks with much-needed scoring and leadership.
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Betting Odds and Analysis
Please note that odds are subject to change closer to the game date, and consulting a reliable sportsbook for the latest odds is recommended.
- Spread: The Mavericks may be favored by a small margin, likely around -3 to -5 points, reflecting the assumption that they have a slight advantage but will be on the road.
- Over/Under: Given both teams’ offensive abilities, the over/under line could be set around 225–230 points, anticipating a high-scoring game.
- Moneyline: For straight-up bets, the Mavericks are expected to have shorter odds, perhaps around -130, with the Thunder as slight underdogs, around +110.
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This game could offer good value for bettors considering OKC as a home underdog or opting for the over if both offenses perform as expected.
Where to Watch
For fans eager to catch the action live, there are several options:
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Television:
- The game is expected to air on Bally Sports Oklahoma (for Oklahoma City fans) and Bally Sports Southwest (for Dallas fans). If nationally broadcast, channels like ESPN or NBA TV may carry the game, so checking local listings closer to the game date is recommended.
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Streaming Options:
- NBA League Pass: This service offers streaming of live and on-demand games, though regional blackout restrictions may apply if you’re in the broadcast area.
- Bally Sports App: If you have a subscription to Bally Sports via cable, you may also stream the game through the Bally Sports app.
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Online Platforms:
- Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV offer live streaming options for NBA games, including regional channels. Subscription to the relevant sports package is typically required.
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Where to Buy Tickets (Online and Offline)
- Online Ticket Platforms:
- Ticketmaster: As the official ticketing partner for the NBA and Paycom Center, Ticketmaster offers primary ticket sales and verified resale options.
- StubHub: Known for secondary market tickets, StubHub provides a range of seating options, often including last-minute deals.
- SeatGeek: This platform aggregates tickets from various sources, giving a good overview of available prices and seats.
- Vivid Seats: Another popular resale marketplace that often includes seating maps, pricing options, and promotions.
- Offline Purchase Options:
- Paycom Center Box Office: Tickets can be purchased directly at the arena's box office if available, although purchasing in advance is recommended to avoid sold-out games.
- Retail Outlets: Some major retail locations, like select Walmart stores in Oklahoma City, may sell event tickets in partnership with Ticketmaster.
- Ticket Prices: Average, Lowest, and Highest
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Average Ticket Price: Prices for a Thunder home game against a high-profile opponent like the Mavericks typically average around $60–$100 for standard seating.
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Lowest Price: For fans looking for more budget-friendly options, upper-level seats (farthest from the court) can start as low as $20–$30, especially when purchased early or through resale platforms.
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Highest Price: Courtside or premium seats close to the action can range from $400–$800 or more, depending on availability, location, and demand. For premium suites or VIP packages, prices can reach over $1,000.
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