Both teams are coming in hot and someone’s winning streak will end. This game should give us an entertaining back-and-forth.

HOME TEAM: Oklahoma City Thunder (32-20, 17-10 at home)

The Thunder are cruising as of late. They have racked up nine wins in their last 10 games and currently ride a four-game winning streak where they only allow 102.8 PPG.

There’s balance inside the OKC’s brand of ball. Defense plays a good part in the identity (top 10 in points allowed and defensive efficiency) and the offense is quietly establishing itself as an underrated force.

Three guys are averaging over 19 points – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (19.5 PPG), Dennis Schroder (19.3 PPG), and Danilo Gallinari (19.1 PPG) – and they are being directed by Chris Paul, one of the league’s ultimate floor general, who’s also compiling solid numbers. Paul is posting 20.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 50.8%-shooting in his last nine.

ROAD TEAM: Boston Celtics (36-15, 14-10 on the road)

The Celtics are winners of six in a row and will be building off good stretches offensively and defensively. Over that span, they are plus 12 on points (115.8 PPG to 103.7 PAPG) and only allow the opposition to shoot 31.6% from three and 41.6% overall.

Like the Thunder, the Cs are well-equipped on both sides of the floor. Along with ranking inside the top five in points allowed and defensive efficiency, the offensive weaponry is also boasting a handful of talent, two of which are All-Stars – Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum.

Walker and Tatum are 1A and 1B in Boston’s pecking order on offense, but it’s the latter who’s on fire this past couple of weeks. He’s pouring in 26.8 PPG on 48.7%-shooting since January 19th (eight games), and it even included a three-game gap where he nursed a groin injury. Walker, meanwhile, will be in his second game back from resting a sore knee. The veteran eight-year veteran was mostly quiet in Saturday’s win over the Atlanta Hawks, going 5-for-14 from the field for 15 points.

The two may have to do a lot tomorrow as the other key scorers, Jaylen Brown (ankle) and Gordon Hayward (foor), are still unsure to play after missing the previous contest.

PREDICTION:

The Thunder outlast the Celtics in a tight battle, 111-106. OKC’s three speedy and crafty guards (SGA, Paul, and Schroder), which collectively provide scoring, shooting, and all-around playmaking, will make the difference.