Catch the game on Thursday, October 31 at 9:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: San Antonio Spurs (1-2, 1-1 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • Chris Paul
  • Devin Vassell (out) / Julian Champagnie
  • Harrison Barnes
  • Jeremy Sochan
  • Victor Wembanyama

The Spurs have alternated wins and losses across three games. They are averaging 106.3 points per game with a -4.3 net rating in that span. It’s not the start most were expecting when future Hall-of-Famer Chris Paul (7.3 PPG, 6.7 APG, 36.8 FG%), who’s been a team whisperer for the most part, was brought into the fold. But yes, it’s still a measly sample size and forward Devin Vassell has yet to play due to an injury.

There should be great hope that things will become better and better as the season goes along. Victor Wembanyama is a generational talent, and Paul and head coach Gregg Popovich will be able to squeeze a ton out of their ‘unicorn’ weapon. Wemby could come in extra inspired on Thursday with Holmgren over on the other side. He had 20.0/13.3/4.3 in three meetings with OKC last season, and we’ll see more of that, perhaps in an amplified version too.

With Vassell sidelined, Jeremy Sochan has stepped up nicely. He’s at 19.0 points and 9.0 boards on 52.3% shooting. Going against OKC will be a good opportunity to further his momentum.

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HOME: Oklahoma City Thunder (3-0, 1-0 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • Alex Caruso
  • Jalen Williams
  • Chet Holmgren
  • Jaylin Wiliams

The Thunder have gone undefeated in their first three games, and did it smoothly. They are scoring 114.7 PPG and winning by an average margin of 18.7.

As expected, the young OKC trio is leading the charge. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren (23.7 PPG, 13.0 RPG, 3.0 BPG), and Jalen Williams (18.7, 7.0 RPG, 5.3 APG) are all off to commendable starts, especially SGA, who’s putting up an all-around 28.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 3.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks, though he needs work on efficiency (44.9 FG%, 30.4 3P%). Nevertheless, being a top MVP candidate is his for the taking.

Lanky, stretch big man Holmgren will be continuing his anticipated matchup with Victor Wembanyama. He and the Thunder won the season series with the Spurs last season, 3-1, with him putting up a solid 14.3/7.3/3.5 per outing.

While OKC is on a warpath to be quite the force in the league, the team is only making 44.4% of their shots, including a horrid 27.6% from downtown, currently 29th overall.

PICKS:

Spread: Spurs (+13)

Over/Under: Over (221.5)

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