Game Tonight: OKC Thunder vs 76ers Odds, Stat Comparison, Key Matchup, Predictions, for December 31st

Glass Cleaners:

Neither team performs well on the offensive glass with the Thunder ranked dead last and the 76ers one spot ahead of them (OUCH). So whichever team decides to bring the energy to the boards will have an advantage.

Perimeter Prowess:

Philly possesses the best perimeter defense limiting opponents to 33.3 percent from behind the arc which granted has been bolstered by their lack of facing more of the top-10 offenses.

NOTE: Ratings won’t have Friday’s games incorporated so that latter point of top offenses resonates given CJ McCollum just dropped ELEVEN 3-pointers on the 76ers and the Pelicans shot 48.4 percent from behind the arc so Philly’s top rank is sure to take a steep drop in the updated rankings.

The 76ers are also a top perimeter shooting team connecting with 38.1 percent efficiency from deep which ranks fifth overall.

The 76ers Red Flag:

Philly has a tell — when they lead going into the fourth – they just don’t lose — or at least they rarely lose. As stats master, John Schuhmann noted when the 76ers lead (or are tied) entering the fourth they are 19-1. The Knicks are the one team who ruined their perfect record.

As good are they are with the lead, they are equally abysmal without it with the Knicks once again being the lone team to make a difference. At the time of Schuhmann’s article, Philly was 1-11 in games when they trailed after three quarters and they’re now 1-13 having lost the last two matches (and they trailed in each).

That’s not to say the Thunder couldn’t do what they love to do which is come from behind – but if they hit the final frame ahead grab those noise makers!

Home Warriors – Road Woes:

Half of the Sixers’ road wins occurred before November while the other three included a sweep of the Magic (before they started winning) and the Christmas game at MSG. They are 6-9 on the season and 3-7 since November 1st.