When the series tipped off, expectations could not have been higher for the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. And it has not disappointed. Only two games have been especially competitive, but the bottom line is that we are getting what we wanted: a Game 7. Tipoff on Saturday night at the Paycom Center is set for 8:00 pm ET on NBC.
Let’s dive into my Spurs vs. Thunder prediction.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder odds
Money line: Spurs +135 / Thunder -160
Spread: Spurs +3.5 (-110) / Thunder -3.5 (-110)
Total: Over 212.5 (-110) / Under 212.5 (-110)
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder best bet: Spurs +3.5 (-110)
It is true that home-court advantage has been important in this series, but it has not been the end-all, be-all. San Antonio took Game 1 on the road before losing once at home in Game 3. The Spurs also prevailed in Oklahoma City – and by 15 points, too – on Christmas. Obviously winning Game 7 of a championship series is a whole different proposition than getting the best of a regular-season affair (even a marquee one such as on Christmas Day), but it’s clear that the visitors have no fear going into enemy territory.
Whereas the Spurs are fully loaded in terms of health, the Thunder are missing Jalen Williams (hamstring) and Ajay Mitchell (calf). Williams is sidelined by a recurring hamstring problem, while Mitchell will be shelved for a fourth straight game. Between them, Williams and Mitchell averaged 30.7 ppg during the regular season. That’s a lot of firepower that isn’t on the court.
The Thunder need all of the offensive help they can get, too. Two of the last three point outputs have been 82 and 91. Yes, those anemic efforts came on the road in San Antonio — but there is no reason why the Spurs’ defense can’t also put the clamps down in Oklahoma City. They held the Thunder to 102 points on Christmas and to 101 in regulation during Game 1 of the WCF.
All in all, this sets up well for San Antonio. It is healthier, has momentum from winning Game 6, and the pressure is all on the defending NBA champions. If the Spurs don’t win outright, they should at least cover.
Spurs get it 111-103, now people don’t go losing your heads thinking we are now in the Wemby era, OKC will be back next season and next season will be different, OKC will probably be more healthy, so this great rivalry is just getting started and is long from over.
Finals pick, Spurs in 6.
Knicks get game 1 105-95.
Knicks with game 2 105-104.
Spurs with game 3 115-111.
Where are the finals threads?