Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns Game 3 Preview, Picks & Odds for Saturday, April 25, 2026

By Braxton Reynolds | Apr 24, 2026, 8:22pm

Game 3 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns begins at 3:30 p.m. Eastern on NBC. Jalen Williams exited Game 2 early due to a hamstring injury, and ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the following day that “Williams has sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated on a weekly basis.” Although the former All-Star is likely out for the remainder of this series, it’s good news for the Thunder.

Thunder vs. Suns Betting Analysis

After a horrific offensive performance in Game 1, the Suns inserted Collin Gillespie into the starting lineup, increased Royce O’Neale’s minutes, and mostly benched Ryan Dunn. Phoenix’s offense in Game 2 featured more passing, ball handling, and shooting due to these moves and wound up scoring 23 more points than the series opener.

Khaman Maluach is an X Factor for the Suns. The rookie boasts a monstrous 9-foot-6 standing reach, which allows him to deter rim attempts and contest shots inside the paint. Maluach’s offense is exceptionally raw, but he at least forces the Thunder’s defense to respect his lob potential on rolls to the hoop.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma City will lean on Ajay Mitchell to lead the minutes when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rests. Mitchell thrives at getting downhill and attacking the basket, so the Thunder should maximize his time without Gilgeous-Alexander by tethering Isaiah Joe’s shooting to Mitchell.

Will Jared McCain play real minutes? The trade deadline acquisition is capable of creating his own shot, which is now a premium skill for the Thunder’s bench with Jalen Williams out. McCain’s catch-and-shoot efficiency also opens up the court and lets Oklahoma City score in bunches. But the downside is that Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks can try to force switches and target McCain’s defense.

The best bet is taking Ajay Mitchell to record at least four assists. He’s now the main ball handler and playmaker when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rests because of Williams’ injury. Mitchell excels at getting into the paint, so he should be able to rack up assists on lobs and kick-outs. Mitchell recorded two assists in Game 1 and five in Game 2.

Thunder vs. Suns Best Bet, Pick & Prediction

Best Bet: Ajay Mitchell O3.5 Assists (-122)
Score Prediction: Thunder 117, Suns 113

Thunder vs. Suns Game Odds

Thunder vs. Suns Game Information

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 3:40 p.m. ET
Network: NBC
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Venue: Mortgage Matchup Center – 2202. ppg; 16-26-1 O/U
Series Score: Thunder 2-0

Thunder vs. Suns Betting Resources

Thunder vs. Suns Key Players

Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Last Game: 37 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists
Chet Holmgren – Last Game: 19 points, 8 rebounds, 0 assists
Ajay Mitchell – Last Game: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists

Suns

Devin Booker – Last Game: 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
Jalen Green – Last Game: 21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
Dillon Brooks – Last Game: 30 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist

Braxton Reynolds

Braxton has been covering the NBA for Lineups since the 2022 season. He's worked with multiple collegiate coaching staffs regarding analytics and scouting, which has allowed him to understand the game on a deeper level. Braxton also currently writes about the Oklahoma City Thunder for Thunder Roundtable.