A Unique NBA Showdown in Austin
The NBA is set to serve up a special treat on Thursday, the first full day of action after the All-Star break. Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns will face off against De’Aaron Fox and the San Antonio Spurs at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. This venue holds a special place in Durant’s heart, as it was the home of his college team, the Texas Longhorns. The Sporting News has everything you need to know about the odds and best bets for this Western Conference showdown, including insights from the BetMGM online sportsbook.
Setting the Stage: Moody Center’s Connection to KD
It’s not often that an NBA game is played on a neutral court in late February, but this game is far from ordinary. Kevin Durant, known affectionately as "Durantula," has deep roots in Austin. He donated $3 million to help build the Moody Center, and the court is named after him. The crowd is expected to be electric, with a significant portion of the fans cheering for the Suns’ star. This personal connection could add an extra spark to Durant’s performance, making it a memorable night for both the players and the fans.
The Latest Odds and Line Movements
Originally, the Spurs were listed as -2.5 favorites with a -145 moneyline. However, the news of Victor Wembanyama’s blood clot diagnosis, which ended his sophomore season, dramatically altered the odds. With Wembanyama out, the Suns are now -2.5 favorites with a -145 moneyline. The over/under total has also increased from 231.5 to 236.5. The loss of Wembanyama, a Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) favorite, is a significant blow to the Spurs’ defensive capabilities and overall morale. This shift in momentum could be the push Phoenix needs to reset and refocus as they gear up for the playoff push.
Suns’ Recent Struggles and Potential for a Comeback
The Suns have not been performing at their best in recent games, averaging just 109.3 points per game. On the other hand, the Spurs have been more consistent, averaging 117.9 points per game over their past eight contests. The Spurs are +11 with Fox in the lineup since the trade deadline, but without Wembanyama, their defense is vulnerable. Expect the Suns to capitalize on this weakness, especially with Durant leading the charge. The stage is set for a Suns victory, and KD’s connection to the court in Austin could be the key factor in this high-stakes game.
Player Prop Bets: Durant’s Dominance
For the top player prop bet, Kevin Durant’s OVER 26.5 points (-115) stands out. Durant is fresh off the All-Star weekend and is coming into this game well-rested. He recently joined the elite club of players to score 30,000 points in NBA history, further cementing his status as a future Hall-of-Famer. In the Suns’ past three games, Durant has scored 27 or more points, averaging 32.7 points per game. San Antonio’s defense, minus Wembanyama, is far from elite, making this an excellent opportunity for Durant to shine. It’s a safe bet that he will exceed this point total, given his recent form and the emotional fuel of playing on his college floor.
The De’Aaron Fox Special
Another intriguing player prop bet is the "De’Aaron Fox Special" parlay (+126). For this bet, Fox needs to score 20+ points, dish out 5+ assists, grab 3+ rebounds, and record 1+ steal. It’s a bold bet, but one that seems well within reach for the dynamic Spurs guard. Fox has been a consistent performer since joining the Spurs, and this game against the Suns could be a perfect stage for him to showcase his talents. In his last five games, Fox has averaged 21.6 points, 7.8 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.8 steals. Given these impressive stats and Fox’s tendency to rise to the occasion, the plus odds make this parlay an appealing choice for savvy bettors.
Final Score Prediction and Conclusion
Given the circumstances and the emotional significance of the game for Kevin Durant, the Suns are expected to come away with a victory. The Spurs’ morale will undoubtedly be affected by Wembanyama’s absence, and their defensive vulnerabilities will be exposed. Phoenix has the talent and the motivation to win, and Durant’s performance on his college court will likely be a highlight. The final score is predicted to be Suns 118, Spurs 114. Phoenix will not only win the game but also cover the -2.5 spread, and the total points will just exceed the projected 232.5. This Thursday night clash in Austin promises to be a thrilling and memorable event, a perfect way to kick off the second half of the NBA season.
