Thunder Without SGA Face Jazz: Can Utah Upset NBA's Best?

A Historic Start Meets a Major Injury

The Oklahoma City Thunder (22-1) continue their historic NBA season with a road game against the Utah Jazz (7-13) on Sunday, December 7th. However, the matchup takes on added significance with the news that reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will miss the game due to left elbow bursitis.

This marks the first game SGA has missed this season, ending his remarkable streak of 95 consecutive games with at least 20 points. The streak is the second-longest in NBA history, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain's record 126-game streak from 1961 to 1963.

Despite the absence of their superstar, the Thunder remain significant favorites, with oddsmakers setting the spread at -9.5 to -11.5 points depending on the sportsbook. The over/under is set between 233.5 and 235.5 points, with Oklahoma City listed as -425 to -575 moneyline favorites.

The Thunder's Injury Woes

Situated in Salt Lake City, the Jazz will face a Thunder team that is not only without their MVP but also dealing with a wave of injuries. In total, seven Oklahoma City players are ruled out for Sunday's contest, creating significant depth challenges for head coach Mark Daigneault.

Besides SGA, key rotation players including:

• Luguentz Dort (right adductor strain)
• Alex Caruso (right quad contusion)
• Isaiah Joe (left knee soreness)
• Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain)

This unprecedented level of injuries comes as Oklahoma City continues its pursuit of the best start in NBA history. The Thunder's 22-1 record is among the best 23-game starts in league history, putting them on pace to challenge the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls' record 72-10 season.

Jazz Looking to Build on Past Performance

The Utah Jazz enters this matchup with a 7-13 record, but they've shown flashes of competitiveness, particularly in their recent encounter with the Thunder. On November 15th, Utah actually led Oklahoma City 68-67 at halftime before the Thunder pulled away for a 144-112 victory.

This history has led some betting analysts to suggest value in the Jazz first half moneyline at +225. The theory is that top-tier teams like the Thunder often start games conservatively, especially against inferior opponents, allowing underdogs to gain an early edge.

Betting Preview and Analysis

The betting lines for this game tell an interesting story. While the Thunder are overwhelming favorites to win the game outright, the spread has varied between -9.5 and -11.5 points across different sportsbooks. The total points line is set at 233.5 to 235.5, suggesting a high-scoring affair despite the Thunder's defensive prowess.

Moneyline odds heavily favor Oklahoma City (-425 to -575), making a Jazz upset a long shot. However, as mentioned, some experts see value in the Jazz first half moneyline (+225), citing the Thunder's tendency to start games slowly and the Jazz's ability to compete in the opening quarters.

For those interested in the over/under, the 233.5-235.5 range suggests oddsmakers expect a combined 234-236 points. With both teams possessing offensive firepower and the Thunder's defensive intensity, this total could be influenced significantly by the absence of SGA and the resulting adjustments to Oklahoma City's game plan.

Keys to the Game

Without SGA, the Thunder will need contributions from their remaining healthy players. Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace will likely see increased offensive responsibilities. The team's depth will be severely tested, with role players being asked to step up in significant ways.

For the Jazz, this represents an opportunity to gain a signature victory. Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen will need to lead the charge offensively, while the team's defensive effort will be crucial in containing a depleted but still dangerous Thunder offense.

As the Thunder navigate this challenging stretch of injuries, the Jazz will look to capitalize and build momentum in what could be a closer-than-expected contest, at least in the first half.