Oklahoma City Thunder are betting favourites tonight against the San Antonio Spurs on home court
The big news on the NBA front today is the New York Knicks, who last night clinched their first NBA Finals appearance in 27 years, throttling the Cleveland Cavaliers 130-90 in Game 4.
The Knicks have absolutely dominated the Eastern Conference during these playoffs, currently riding an 11-game winning streak.
More good news for them – they can now sit back and rest as the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma Thunder slug it out in the Western Conference Finals.
That series is tied 2-2, heading back to Oklahoma City tonight.
BEST BETS
San Antonio Spurs against Oklahoma City Thunder, 8:30 p.m. EST, Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Best-of-seven series tied 2-2
In NBA betting at Betway, the Thunder are betting favourites on the Moneyline, at -170, where the Spurs are +140. The Spread is Thunder -4.5 (-105), Spurs +4.5 (-115). The Over/Under is 217.5 (O -110, U -110).
Thunder ATS -4.5 (-105)
The Thunder were the top NBA seed coming into the playoffs (64-18) and are money on home court (34-7 this season).
Oh, and they’re defending champions led by a two-time MVP (Shae Gilgeous-Alexander).
The Thunder bounced back well after the Game 1 loss, took Games 2 and 3, before getting beat up in Texas Sunday night, 103-82.
I am looking at a motivated response in a must-win scenario, with a take-charge defence having a night, led by SGA. Depth and home court will help them cover, plus the fact the Spurs rely a lot on Victor Wembanyama (31 minutes Sunday night).
And if Jalen Williams suits up (questionable as of 3:15 p.m. EST, with a left hamstring issue) I like the Thunder even more.
OKC never seems to feel pressure.
Under 217.5 (-110)
Game 4 was a defensive clinic, further proof of how much playoff basketball tightens up, especially the further down the line you push, towards the Finals.
Again, with the Thunder on home court, and with so much on the line, they will really ratchet up their defensive intensity tonight.
Guards like SGA, Luguentz Dort, and Alex Caruso fight over screens and pressure the ball constantly and force offences to start possessions further from the basket. And Dort in particular is a stud, one of the NBA’s top perimeter defenders.
A difference-maker with OKC – while they force deflections and turnovers, shutting down passing lanes, their rotations behind the play are disciplined. Chet Holmgren gives them elite rim protection.
A bounce-back win for OKC tonight, but not a rout.
On the Spurs side of the ball, Wembanyama limited OKC to their lowest scoring total since 2021 in Sunday’s game. The Thunder shot 33% from the field, 18.2% from 3-point range.
Williams is a question mark for the Thunder, and Ajay Mitchell is out.
Shae Gilgeous-Alexander Over 25 Points (-330)
The Canadian clears this easily tonight. Shai has been great in the playoffs, averaging 27.7 PPG.
He elevates in big pressure home games. SGA was quiet in Game 4, with just 19 points, so he’ll be motivated to bounce back strong tonight. OKC’s offence flows through him, so if they push the pace and attack, to go along with the aggressive defence, SGA has a big night.
FYI: SGA is +200 at Betway to clear 35 points.
SGA brings the cape out tonight.
