It’s all tied up and it may just get even fiercer every game. These two powerhouses are breathing down on each other’s necks.

Catch the game tomorrow, May 23rd, Saturday, at 8:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Oklahoma City Thunder (1-1)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • Luguentz Dort
  • Jalen Williams
  • Chet Holmgren
  • Isaiah Hartenstein

OKC looked far more like itself in Game 2, bouncing back from the heartbreaking double-overtime loss in the opener with a composed 122-113 victory. The Thunder answered every major question surrounding them and regained momentum before the series shifted to San Antonio.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was back in control, finishing with 30 points and nine assists while dictating the pace offensively. Though Chet Holmgren still hasn’t fully exploded in this series, the Thunder continue proving they can win through depth and balance. Isaiah Hartenstein delivered a rugged double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds while being very physical with Victor Wembanyama.

The bench made a massive difference as well. Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Jared McCain, and Ajay Mitchell all scored in double figures, giving OKC the kind of relentless two-way production that defined its dominant regular season. That depth becomes especially important on the road, where Oklahoma City has consistently performed well all year. With momentum restored and confidence back, the Thunder appear ready to take on a rowdy opposing crowd.

HOME: San Antonio Spurs (1-1)

Projected Starting Five:

  • De’Aaron Fox (day-to-day)
  • Stephon Castle
  • Devin Vassell
  • Julian Champagnie
  • Victor Wembanyama 

San Antonio missed a golden opportunity in Game 2. Returning home with a 2-0 lead would have dramatically shifted the pressure onto Oklahoma City, but instead the Spurs now find themselves trying to hold serve in a suddenly pivotal Game 3.

Victor Wembanyama remained impactful, but the Thunder did a much better job limiting him after his historic Game 1 performance. The superstar big man scored 21 points after erupting for 41 in the opener, forcing others to step up offensively. Devin Vassell answered that challenge with 22 points and six made threes, while Stephon Castle added 25 points and eight assists.

However, Castle’s turnover problem is becoming alarming. After coughing the ball up 11 times in Game 1, he committed nine more in Game 2, giving him a staggering 20 turnovers through two games. Those mistakes have prevented San Antonio from fully capitalizing on its offensive strengths.

The bigger concern may be health. De’Aaron Fox still has not played in the series, and his Game 3 status remains uncertain. Meanwhile, rookie sensation Dylan Harper exited Game 2 with a hamstring injury and is questionable moving forward. Even with those concerns, the Spurs have been one of the league’s best home teams all season, and they’ll need that edge now more than ever.

PICKS

Spread: Thunder (-4)
Over/Under: Over (218)