Predicting Oklahoma City's Win Total Based On the Over Under Line

After exceeding expectations by a long shot last season, the Thunder seem to be garnering plenty of positive attention throughout NBA circles. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is near the top of every player ranking you'll find. Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren usually round out the Thunder's collection of Top-100 players, and Lu Dort has received praise as an elite defender in the NBA.

Oklahoma City's coach, Mark Daigneault has a bit of steam for the Coach of the Year Award, and the Thunder don't seem to be missing much on paper.

Preseason has been a positive sign too, with Williams and Giddey both displaying a potential next step. Holmgren has looked like everything the Thunder wanted when selecting him No. 2 overall in 2022 — and maybe even a little bit better. He looks like a true two-way force and he's not even playing much yet.

The Thunder's 2023-24 season win total is set at 44.5 according to FanDuel, which is a significant jump from a season ago. Rightfully so, too — the prediction jump was earned by Oklahoma City's young core down the stretch last season.

Obviously, the key catalyst is Gilgeous-Alexander, and if he can keep an MVP pace for the second season in a row. SGA finished fifth in the NBA's MVP voting a season ago, and could be a legitimate candidate if the Thunder see a jump in team success.

The pieces are in place and the starting lineup looks like a force. For the first time in a long time, Oklahoma City has a deep bench, and guys that deserve minutes will likely ride the pine some nights. There's a lot of flexibility on the floor and Daigneault will really be able to mix it up. Last year was important for the Thunder, but this could be the year this team proves just how high its ceiling is.

The arrival Sam Presti has been talking about.

THE VERDICT: Over 44.5 wins

The Thunder should be able to exceed its win total for a second straight season barring any major injuries. The core looks special, and with Holmgren added to the mix, the Thunder could take things to another level.

Oklahoma City fans are playoff deprived, and this could be the season the Thunder find its way back into the postseason tournament. Last year, the team snuck up on opponents in the regular season. This year, it could be the playoffs. Oklahoma City won't be an easy out, and the fan base will be fired up.

Things are lining up for a special season.

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