Written by :
Published on :
The Oklahoma City Thunder (25-15) head south to take on the San Antonio Spurs (24-17) in a matchup between two teams currently sitting at #3 and #6, respectively, in the Western Conference.
CLAIM YOUR SIGNUP BONUS UP TO $1000 - CASH OUT WINNINGS ANY TIME SOON
This article is courtesy of our friends at YouWager
While there is just over half the season left to play, these two could find themselves jostling for seeding as the final months of the season wear on. Oklahoma City will be a slight -1 point favorite on the road when these two collide on Thursday night.
Thunder Seeking to Get Back on Track
Oklahoma City has now lost two in a row after suffering back to back home losses to the Washington Wizards and Minnesota Timberwolves. Against Minnesota on Tuesday night, the Thunder once again showed their star power, with Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and Steven Adams combining for 72 points, 26 rebounds, and 18 assists, but really failed to get anything from anyone else. That has seemed to be the recipe for success against the Thunder this season: you can allow Westbrook and George to go out and get their points, but if you limit the production from the complimentary pieces, you can get the win against them. Dennis Schroeder has been really struggling as of late for the Thunder as he is just a combined 6-18 from the field in their past two losses. Oklahoma City really needs Schroeder to put the ball in the hole to take some of the pressure off of their superstars.
Spurs Have Been Hot
San Antonio comes into this one winners of five in a row and nine of their last eleven. They are really hitting their stride as the new roster begins to fall in line with Greg Popovich’s style of basketball. The Spurs are tops in the league in three point shooting, free throw shooting, and least amount of turnovers. Basically, the Spurs can be counted on to take high quality shots, take advantage of defensive mistakes, and take good care of the basketball. San Antonio offers up a dynamic duo of their own as DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge are combining for 43 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists per game. Combine their talent with the veteran presence of Rudy Gay, Marco Belinelli, and Patty Mills and you have yet another Spurs team poised to make some noise down the stretch.
Pick and Prediction
Oklahoma City is reeling coming off of two disappointing home losses while the Spurs are playing perhaps their best ball of the season. The Spurs have been fantastic at home this season with just five losses coming in the friendly confines. As I am somewhat perplexed by Oklahoma City being favored here, I am taking the Spurs to win and cover.
