San Antonio Spurs vs OKC Thunder Predictions & Betting Tips

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📂 Category: Basketball

📌 Main takeaway:

Thursday’s NBA Christmas Showdown features five games packed with high-stakes showdowns and plenty of special moments. One of the most exciting matchups is the San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder in an afternoon matchup at 2:30 PM ET at the Paycom Center.

With both teams at the forefront of the emerging rivalry, the game carries a lot of weight to capture the attention of fans across the country and beyond. The element of a battle between two young top teams and rising stars Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes it even more eye-catching.

Wembanyama and Tottenham have been the Thunder’s kryptonite this season. OKC has just four losses, two of which came against San Antonio, including Tuesday’s 130-110 blowout. The two teams will meet again for the fourth and final time in the regular season on January 13.

San Antonio Spurs vs OKC Thunder preview, odds, betting tips and prediction

Money line: Spurs +280, Thunder -357

Spread: Spurs +9.5 (-114), Thunder -9.5 (-106)

Total Over/Under (S/M): Spurs o235.5 (-110), Thunder u235.5 (-110)

Editor’s Note: Odds may change as match day approaches. The possibilities mentioned were according to the information available at the time of writing this report.

Watch the San Antonio Spurs vs OKC Thunder match

Third time is the thunder charm?

The Thunder started off strong at 21-1 and are on a 16-game winning streak, but have lost three of their last five games. It should be noted that all of their losses came on the road, as they remain the only undefeated team in the NBA at home with a 14-0 record.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the Thunder’s most consistent and reliable player, averaging 32.5 points per game this season. He scored 33 points in Tuesday’s loss to the Spurs, marking his 23rd 30-point game this season. It is very possible that he will finish in the MVP voting this season.

On the injury front, OKC has some concerns. Chet Holmgren suffered a fresh facial injury against Tottenham and it remains unclear whether he will be available for the Christmas Day game.

Along with Holmgren, Ajay Mitchell (concussion) and Ousmane Dieng (calf strain) are listed as everyday players. Meanwhile, Jaylen Williams, Nikola Topic and Tomas Sorber remain ruled out with injuries.

Scorching spurs

Spurs have been firing on all cylinders lately, with contributions coming from all over the lineup. They enter the match on the back of a seven-game winning streak that saw them move from the fifth seed to the second seed in a week.

Stephon Castley scored a team-high 24 points against the Thunder on Wednesday. Devin Vassell was red hot, posting seven straight double-digit games with 17 points. The two have meshed well with rookie Dylan Harper, who is spending some time off the bench. Victor Wembanyama also continues to contribute off the bench under the minutes restriction protocol.

In terms of injuries, Spurs have a clean bill of health. Coach Mitch Johnson could field his five strongest players with Wambanyama returning to the starting lineup.

San Antonio Spurs vs OKC Thunder Expected 5 second start

San Antonio Spurs

p – De’Aaron Fox, Saint-Germain -Stevon Castle, sixth -Devin Vassell, National Front -Harrison Barnes, C -Victor Wembanyama

OKC Thunder

p – Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Saint-Germain -Lugh Dort, sixth -Jalen Williams, National Front – Chet Holmgren, C -Isaiah Hartenstein

Editor’s Notes: Starting lineups are subject to change closer to match day due to injury updates.

San Antonio Spurs vs OKC Thunder betting tips

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will likely score more than 32.5 points.

Victor Wimpanyama is expected to score more than 17.5 points.

Three-pointer prop Devin Vassell is set to average 2.5 points, but his average is a career-best 2.8 so far this season.