Thunder's top defense faces Suns offense ranked 25th in shooting

The Phoenix Suns (45-37 last season) visit the Oklahoma City Thunder (64-18) on Monday, October 26, at 8:00 PM ET, when the league's third-best turnover-forcing defense meets the second-best ball-protecting offense.

Oklahoma City allowed 105.8 points per 100 possessions last season, the league's best mark, while Phoenix scored 113.1, 16th. The Suns ranked 25th in true shooting at 56.8%, so easy baskets will be scarce.

Phoenix has one edge: it forced turnovers on 13.9% of opponent possessions, third in the league. The Thunder gave it away on only 10.8% of theirs, second-best. Elsewhere the Suns have little margin, ranking 28th in free-throw rate and 27th in defensive rebounding.

Oklahoma City ranked 28th in offensive rebounding at 22.3%, so Phoenix's weak work on the defensive glass costs it less than it might against other opponents.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points on 55.3% shooting last season, and Isaiah Hartenstein grabbed 9.4 rebounds a game. Phoenix leans on Devin Booker, who scored 26.1 points and gave out six assists a night.

Mark Williams, who averaged eight rebounds and 0.9 blocks last season, is out for the Suns. Oso Ighodaro is doubtful and Drew Timme is out, which thins Phoenix's front line further.

Oklahoma City lists three players day-to-day, including Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace, who led the team with 1.9 steals a game. Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber are out.

Phoenix opened with a 131-122 home win over Golden State, then lost 124-83 at Portland. Oklahoma City has won all three of its games this season, the latest 108-101 over the LA Clippers.

Sportsbooks' prices give the Thunder a 77% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, puts it at 80%, with a margin of 10.5 points.