Game Tonight: OKC Thunder vs Raptors Odds, Starting Lineup, Injury Report, Predictions, for Nov. 11

The pendulum of change can be cruel and that’s where the OKC Thunder currently find themselves. OKC rode the upswing of that pendulum winning four games in a row but with the blade oscillating back to the center they’ve endured a four-game losing streak.

The team they hope to end the streak against is the Toronto Raptors, who historically serve up entertaining seasonal matchups.

With five Canadians on the two teams, this contest registers a huge draw North of the border.

Each of the last four seasons has followed a familiar pattern — the teams split the series each winning once and one of the two games ends up being super close.

• Scroll down for our Thunder Raptors Prediction and Game Details

 The Canuck Connection:

The other storylines are obvious. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dalano Banton both grew up less than an hour from Toronto while Luguenz Dort, Chris Boucher, and Khem Birch all grew up in Montreal.

Plus there are the National team ties — Nick Nurse is the head coach and each of the aforementioned quintet has played either this past offseason or one prior for Nurse.

Dort played with Andrew Wiggins and RJ Barrett, etc two years ago whereas Shai and his cousin were part of games this offseason.

The complete complement of players is expected to be ready for the FIBA World Championships (assuming they qualify). Canadian execs, Steve Nash and Rowan Barrett Sr. imitated the Jerry Colangelo method asking players to commit to a four-year window (one full Olympic cycle) with all the big guns agreeing. Jamal Murray and Lu Dort were both in camp this summer despite being injured — just to hang with the group and build comradery.

Plus there is the young rising talent – – tell me anyone says no to Bennedict Mathurin!

SGA and Dort aren’t likely to miss the cut though because they might be Nurse’s favorite offensive and defensive players.

OKC Thunder vs Raptors Odds, Spread, Over/Under

The 7-5 Raptors are favored by the oddsmakers with a 5-point spread while the over/under is set at 221 points.

The moneyline odds tap the Thunder at plus +150 and the Raptors at minus -213

These opening numbers seem on the mark given the Raptors are dealing with a couple of key injuries.

While other teams in the East have drawn more “title” talk it’s the Raptors who’ve endured the most difficult schedule with three baseball sets, two back-to-back sets, and up until Wednesday (Rockets) were the only East team with a winning record that hadn’t faced a team with fewer than four wins.

Some other betting notables:

• The Thunder are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
• Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings between the teams in OKC.
• The Raptors are 7-2 ATS in the last 9 meetings in Oklahoma City.
• Thunder are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
• The Raptors are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
• Under is 11-4 in the Raptors’ last 15 road games.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Thunder Starting Lineup:

With Alesej Pokusevski back from his shoulder injury, Mark Daigneault wasted no time inserting him back into the starting rotation. It could just be to counter length/size but I think this might be the quintet who starts the majority of games:

• Josh Giddey
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
• Luguentz Dort
• Aleksej Pokusevski (or Jalen Williams)
• Jeremiah Robinson-Earl

Injury Report

Darius Bazley tweaked an ankle in the Bucks match and is ruled out Friday. While Chet Holmgren (foot) continues his role of leading the cheers as he continues to heal and rehab.

Toronto hasn’t been fully healthy yet this season with at least eight regular rotation players missing time. But the current players out leaves Nick Nurse searching to infill major production.

Specifically, Pascal Siakam who leads the Raptors in scoring, rebounding, and assists. He slipped on a wet spot on the hardwood in Dallas straining his groin and will be out for a minimum of two weeks.

Precious Achuiwa (ankle) is in a walking boot and will be re-evaluated in 10 days. Justin Champagnie (back) is questionable, and Khem Birch (knee) is out.

OKC Thunder vs. Raptors Stats Comparison and Prediction

There are a lot of common traits displayed between these two clubs.

The most obvious is turnovers but there are other similarities. I’ve listed a few below (all per game measurements):

Raptors:

• Fewest turnovers per game: 12.2 (1st)
• Points scored off turnovers: 22.8 (1st)
• Steals: 10.8 (1st)
• Points scored off fast break: 22.5 (1st)
• OPPONENT points off turnovers: 15.2 (4th)
• Blocks: 6.2 (5th)
• OPPONENT PIP scoring 45.0 (sixth fewest)

Thunder: 

• Turnovers per game: 12.5 (2nd)
• Points scored off turnovers: 21.5 (2nd)
• Steals: 10.1 (2nd)
• Points scored in the paint: 55.5 (2nd)
• OPPONENT points off turnovers: 14 (2nd)
• OPPONENT scoring on fast break 10.6 (3rd fewest)
• Blocks: 6.4 (4th)

With each team being able to take away the other side’s best offensive skill the match likely comes down to the boards. The Raptors rank higher in rebound percentage for all three categories.

If you just looked at the box score for the Bucks’ double-overtime match you’d be citing how many points the Thunder got up. But Milwaukee’s top three players were out — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Chris Middleton. Gilgeous-Alexander was special again, but that felt like one that got away (or if I put on my biased hat one that was whistled away).

Like the Bucks, Toronto will be missing their best player and typically the first player off the bench but still have Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby who’ve picked up the slack.

Scottie Barnes has been playing through an ankle that hasn’t been right for two weeks. It’s most noticeable on defense because he can’t slide – so guys he usually guards with his eyes closed are driving by him.

Rookie Christian Koloko is also getting expanded minutes and showing once again how great the Raps are at drafting. The 7’1 center set new career highs versus the Bulls this past week including blocking six shots.

Additionally, Nurse has vets Otto Porter Jr. and Thad Young (both the pre-requisite 6’8″ Raptor size) who have high IQ’s and are strong defenders plus microwave scorer Gary Trent Jr. and reserve energy specialist Chris Boucher.

There are benefits and disadvantages for both sides and while we’ve seen the Raps win by 30 (Hawks) and 43 (Spurs) points OKC (much like the Pistons) may be their nemesis.

Still, there is just something exciting about a team built of 6’8 players plus VanVleet who all have the green light to run the offense.

Of the teams with winning records in the East, Toronto had by far the hardest schedule so I’m leaning to them taking this game — but I also won’t be surprised if Shai and Lu each drop 40 on them!

Raptors 112 – Thunder 106

What channel is the Thunder-Raptors game on?

Per usual the game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Oklahoma or NBA League Pass.

Tip-off at the Paycom Center is set for 8:00 pm EST (7:00 CT).

OKC Thunder vs. Raptors Live Stream

If you need a live stream of the event, check out FuboTV for a free trial! (or the NBA app).

Thunder Next Game and Schedule

The OKC Thunder close out the week on Sunday on the road in the Mecca facing the Knicks in the storied Madison Square Garden.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.