Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder Picks and Predictions for Monday, October 26, 2026

Phoenix fans had a much better time watching Saturday's game than the season opener. After getting blown out in Portland, the Suns returned home and beat Golden State 131-122. Now they're heading to Oklahoma City for Monday's meeting with the Thunder at Paycom Center. Tipoff is at 8:00 pm ET on NBA League Pass. Phoenix is 1-1, tied for second in the Pacific Division. Oklahoma City is 2-0, sharing first place in the Northwest after beating Denver 96-84 on Thursday. The Thunder also host the Clippers on Sunday, so they'll be playing on consecutive nights. Check out our free NBA picks for Monday's schedule.

Phoenix Suns Have Plenty to Build On After Saturday

What a difference three days made for Phoenix. The Suns couldn't buy a basket against Portland on Wednesday, shooting 35.7% in an ugly 124-83 loss. Golden State then arrived Saturday, and Phoenix looked like a completely different team. The Suns made 50 field goals, shot 58.1% and scored 131 points to get their first victory. That leaves Phoenix averaging 107 points and allowing 122.5 through two games. The Suns are shooting 47.1% overall, with 40.5 rebounds and 23.5 assists per contest. They've also made 20 three-pointers across the two outings.

Booker gave Golden State plenty of problems Saturday, finishing with 43 points after scoring 23 in the season opener against Portland. He's also picked up 11 rebounds and nine assists across those two games, giving Phoenix plenty of production from its leading scorer. Dillon Brooks has 25 points so far, with 15 coming against the Warriors. Miles Bridges scored 16 Saturday after an eight-point opener and has 11 rebounds through two games. Jalen Green has 22 points, while Khaman Maluach has pulled down 15 rebounds. Collin Gillespie went scoreless against Portland but came back with 11 points and nine assists Saturday. 

Injuries: Oso Ighodaro is out with an oblique injury. Mark Williams is out with a shoulder injury.

Oklahoma City Thunder Have Been Tough Around the Basket

Oklahoma City has won its first two games without having to score a ton of points. The Thunder went to San Antonio on opening night and came home with a 116-104 victory. Denver was next on Thursday, and the Nuggets had an even tougher time finding baskets. Oklahoma City held them to 84 points and won 96-84. The Thunder have scored 212 points and allowed 188 through those two games. They've also collected 93 rebounds and blocked 19 shots. There's not much rest coming, either. Oklahoma City hosts the Clippers on Sunday before Phoenix visits Monday.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has scored 49 points in Oklahoma City's first two games, along with seven assists and eight rebounds. Jalen Williams has added 33 points and 12 rebounds, while Chet Holmgren has been doing plenty of work near the basket. Holmgren has 24 rebounds and eight blocks already, plus 26 points. Jared McCain has chipped in with 24 points, including six three-pointers. Ajay Mitchell has 16 points and six assists, and Cason Wallace has collected five steals. The Thunder have gotten contributions throughout the lineup, particularly on defense.

Injuries: Otega Oweh is out for the season with an Achilles injury. Nikola Topic is out with a back injury, and Thomas Sorber is sidelined with a knee injury.

Key To The Game

Phoenix found its shooting touch Saturday, but Oklahoma City has been outstanding at defending the basket. Holmgren's rebounding and shot blocking are important here. The Thunder will also have to deal with playing their second game in two nights.

Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder Game Pick

• Oklahoma City Thunder

Booker's 43-point performance helped Phoenix beat Golden State, but Oklahoma City presents a different challenge defensively. The Thunder have held their first two opponents to 104 and 84 points, with Holmgren providing excellent protection around the basket. Phoenix has also allowed 122.5 points per game, giving Gilgeous-Alexander opportunities to attack. Playing Sunday against the Clippers makes the schedule tougher, but Oklahoma City still has enough to win Monday at home.

Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder Over/Under Pick

• Over

Phoenix looked much more comfortable offensively Saturday, scoring 131 points after managing only 83 in Portland. Booker has started the season averaging 33 points, and the Suns have other players capable of scoring. Oklahoma City has defended well, although the Thunder face another game Sunday before meeting Phoenix. That quick turnaround adds another challenge against Booker's scoring. The Suns keep producing offensively, and the over is the play Monday night.