Suns vs Thunder Same-Game Parlay for Sunday's NBA Playoffs Game 1

Shawn Krest - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Shawn Krest • Betting Analyst 20+ years betting experience
Updated: Apr 18, 2026 , 01:58 PM ET • 4 min read

Krest's prediction: The defending champs roll as they begin their quest to repeat.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2).
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2).

After running the table in the NBA Play-In, the Phoenix Suns are back in the playoffs, but standing in their way is the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

My Suns vs. Thunder predictions expect OKC to dominate Sunday's series opener, fueled by another standout performance from their reigning MVP.

Read more in our NBA picks for April 19.

Our best Suns vs Thunder SGP for Game 1

Before resting their players for the final week of the regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder were clicking.

The Thunder had won seven straight contests, going 5-2 ATS before their skeleton crew dropped the last two regular-season contests. OKC is also 8-2 SU in its last 10 head-to-head matchups against the Phoenix Suns

Expect the Under to cash, as Phoenix won’t be trying to speed things up — they capped off the season ranked 24th in pace. Meanwhile, the Thunder turned up the defensive pressure in the postseason last year.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been an MVP performer against the Suns this season, averaging 30 points per game and hitting half of his 3-point attempts. SGA also shot 51% on 2-pointers, an area where the Suns were weak this season, allowing opponents to shoot 56% from inside the arc.

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Shawn Krest
Betting Analyst

Since quitting his job as bank assistant vice-president in 2000, Shawn has covered Final Fours, Super Bowls, World Series games and title fights in boxing and UFC. His work has appeared on ESPN, MLB.com, Sports Illustrated and dozens of other outlets. His book, Baseball Meat Market was published in 2018. He lives in North Carolina with his dog Toby, eight turtles, and wife.

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