Predictions, picks and odds as the OKC Thunder hosts the Phoenix Suns on Friday night at Paycom Center. Plus, injury updates and news.

Beal sat out Wednesday's loss at Sacramento with a left calf contusion after he experienced tightness in Tuesday's win at Utah. He's now listed with a left calf strain.Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

For the game, the Suns will be without one of their best players, as Bradley Beal has been ruled out. The former Florida star also missed the team's last game, so this will be his second straight out of the lineup.

The Oklahoma City Thunder see their betting line tilt in their favor against the Phoenix Suns on Friday to open up their NBA Cup slate.

For the second consecutive season, the NBA will have an in-season tournament during the 2024-25 campaign. Officially branded the Emirates NBA Cup, all 30 teams around the league will compete for a chance to win a championship and prize money.

Three-time Defensive Player of the Year and NBA Champion center pitches himself as potential big man to join OKC Thunder.

While Holmgren was out to an All-Star-caliber start, his absence provides an opportunity for Jalen Williams to take an All-Star leap. Williams has shown flashes of stardom throughout his career, and his growth was a significant piece of Oklahoma City’s 57-win campaign last season.

Despite their lack of height and enormous amount of injuries, the OKC Thunder found a way to win at home against the New Orleans Pelicans.