The shorthanded Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to pull off another upset, though it may be tougher this time as they recently fell to the Toronto Raptors while healthy.

Catch the game tomorrow, Feb 25th, 8:00 AM,  Manila time.

AWAY: Oklahoma City Thunder (44-14, 20-7 ROAD)

Projected starting five:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (out) / Nikola Topic
  • Lu Dort
  • Jalen Williams (out) / Aaron Wiggins
  • Chet Holmgren (questionable)
  • Isaiah Hartenstein

OKC is coming off an impressive win over Cleveland, proving once again that the defending champs won’t fold even when undermanned. The injury bug hasn’t eased up, though. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams have missed multiple games, and Chet Holmgren is questionable, leaving the Thunder to lean heavily on depth and discipline.

That same depth will be tested against the Raptors, who beat OKC in their first meeting, even with SGA and Williams available. The Thunder haven’t quite looked like themselves since that stretch, but flashes remain. Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe are coming off strong performances and could be key in stretching Toronto’s defense. Isaiah Hartenstein, meanwhile, must hold his own inside and provide physicality on both ends.

Even with key names sidelined, Oklahoma City’s structure, defense, and championship poise make them dangerous. Counting them out would be a mistake.

HOME: Toronto Raptors (34-23, 16-13 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Immanuel Quickley
  • Brandon Ingram
  • RJ Barrett
  • Scottie Barnes
  • Sandro Mamukelashvili

Toronto enters with momentum, going 9-4 over its last 13 games with a +4.1 net rating in that span. Defense continues to define the Raptors, as they rank top six in both points allowed and defensive rating. They make games uncomfortable, and that formula already worked against OKC once.

In the January 26 win, Immanuel Quickley (23 pts, 11 ast) and Scottie Barnes (13 pts, 11 reb, 8 ast) both recorded double-doubles, controlling tempo and out-executing the Thunder late. Brandon Ingram struggled in that contest, shooting 5-of-18, but he’ll look to bounce back with a more efficient outing this time around.

Toronto can’t afford to underestimate a depleted Thunder squad. Cleveland learned that lesson the hard way. If the Raptors stay disciplined and physical, they’ll have a strong chance to defend home court again.

PICKS

Spread: Raptors (+1)

Over/Under: Under (218)