Thunder favoured to extend Sixers epic losing streak

But the Thunder will be without star small forward Kevin Durant, who is once again sidelined with injury after missing 55 games last season due to a variety of ailments.

The 2014 NBA MVP is only expected to miss 7-10 days with what is described as a strained left hamstring, but it is important to note that the club was a very ordinary 27-28 without him in the lineup last season.

With or without Durant, the Thunder have dominated Philadelphia in recent years, winning their last 12 meetings, but failed to cover as double-digit favourites in two dates last season.

Cavs to nix Knicks

Cleveland Cavaliers, meanwhile, will look to extend their early lead atop the Eastern Conference standings when they visit New York Knicks on Friday as 6.5-point favourites.

The Cavs have won seven straight since, but have been an unreliable bet, losing five straight ATS, and are 1-7 ATS in their last eight when favoured by five or more points.

The Knicks have shown improvement early on following last year’s brutal 17-win campaign, winning two of their last three, SU and ATS, and are a solid 12-7 ATS in their last 19 overall.

New York has lost four of five to the Cavaliers, but have rewarded punters by covering big spreads in three of their last four against Cleveland.

Golden State can close on Cleveland

In other NBA betting action, Golden State Warriors will once again try to close the gap on Cleveland in the NBA futures betting, when they vie for their 11th straight win on Saturday night against the woeful Brooklyn Nets.

The undefeated Warriors have dominated early on, winning eight of their first 10 by double-digit margins, but continue to trail the Cavaliers, who remain perched as 11/4 NBA championship favourites.

GSW sits as a close second at 3/1, followed by San Antonio Spurs at 7/2, and the Thunder at 7/1.

Atlanta Hawks continue to trail at 28/1, yet to earn oddsmaker respect despite their strong 8-2 record, but can make a case for climbing the odds when they visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night as 0.5-point underdogs.

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