Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 2 Preview, Picks & Odds for Wednesday, April 22, 2026

By Braxton Reynolds | Apr 21, 2026, 10:18pm

Game 2 between the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder begins at 9:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN. The reigning champs demolished Phoenix by 35 points in Game 1, and the spread is around 17.5 points in Game 2. Can the Suns keep it close?

Suns vs. Thunder Betting Analysis

It was an abysmal performance by Phoenix’s offense. The team only managed 84 points on 34.9% shooting from the field and had more turnovers than assists. The Suns were struggling to dribble against the Thunder’s immense amount of ball pressure and subsequently failed to generate quality paint touches. Game 1 highlighted the roster’s lack of a traditional point guard. If Phoenix does not get its turnovers under control, then it’s probably a sweep. Oklahoma City was +32 in the points off turnovers battle!

Meanwhile, the Thunder moved the ball well and generated great looks (especially from the corners). They took advantage of Phoenix loading up on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who shot 5-for-18 from the field. The reigning MVP was coming off 10 days of rust, but the Suns cannot count on another rusty performance from him with a game under his belt. Phoenix’s defense has to do a better job of containing the Thunder’s ball handlers and funneling shots to weaker shooters like Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace.

Mark Williams missed Game 1 due to foot soreness, and his status is uncertain for the rest of the series. It’s a concerning injury because Williams has suffered foot injuries in the past. Phoenix clearly missed his rim protection, rebounding, and size in Game 1.

The best bet for Game 2 is taking Cason Wallace to record at least two steals. Phoenix’s offense runs through combo guards who can struggle with turnovers, and Wallace ranked third across the NBA in steals per game this season. He has some of the fastest hands across the association and excels at timing his swipes.

Wallace had two steals in 20 minutes during Game 1, and he accomplished this feat in 55.8% of his regular season games. That’s an elite hit rate for a +138 prop.

Suns vs. Thunder Best Bet, Pick & Prediction

Best Bet: Cason Wallace 2+ Steals (+138)
Score Prediction: Thunder 121, Suns 98

Suns vs. Thunder Game Odds

Suns vs. Thunder Game Information

Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Network: ESPN
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Venue: Paycom Center – 225.9 ppg; 22-20 O/U
Series Score: Thunder 1-0

Suns vs. Thunder Betting Resources

Suns vs. Thunder Key Players

Suns

Devin Booker – Last Game: 23 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
Jalen Green – Last Game: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist
Dillon Brooks – Last Game: 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists

Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Last Game: 25 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists
Jalen Williams – Last Game: 22 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists
Chet Holmgren – Last Game: 16 points, 7 rebounds, 0 assists

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.