After six games of momentum swings, blowouts, and dramatic responses, with an intense rivalry growing by the second, it all comes down to one final showdown for a spot in the NBA Finals. 

Catch the game tomorrow, May 31st, Sunday, at 8:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: San Antonio Spurs (3-3)

Projected Starting Five:

  • De’Aaron Fox
  • Stephon Castle
  • Devin Vassell
  • Julian Champagnie
  • Victor Wembanyama 

The Spurs answered the bell in Game 6 with a very “locked in” performance, bouncing back immediately after a disappointing showing in Game 5. That pattern has defined this matchup. Whenever one team appears to gain control, the other punches back. Now the Spurs must prove they can deliver one more response in the biggest game of their season.

Victor Wembanyama has continued his ascent into superstardom throughout these playoffs, but Game 7 presents a different kind of challenge. This is his first postseason run, and with it comes his first true winner-take-all test. The same applies to much of the young core. Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, and rookie Dylan Harper, among others, have all shown flashes of brilliance throughout the series, but now they’ll be asked to perform under maximum pressure.

De’Aaron Fox brings at least some Game 7 experience, though it wasn’t a pleasant memory. His Kings fell to Stephen Curry and the Warriors in 2023, with Fox struggling through a 5-for-19 shooting night. The Spurs undoubtedly have the talent to advance, but throughout this series, the supporting cast has often determined the outcome. If San Antonio’s role players deliver, the Spurs have a legitimate shot at pulling off a road victory.

HOME: Oklahoma City Thunder (3-3)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • Jared McCain
  • Luguentz Dort
  • Chet Holmgren
  • Isaiah Hartenstein

OKC enters Game 7 trying to rebound from a disappointing Game 6 performance, continuing the series-long trend of alternating momentum. The Thunder looked dominant in Game 5 and completely out of sync in the next game, leaving plenty of uncertainty heading into the finale.

The biggest storyline remains Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The back-to-back MVP has been good and has had big-time games, but not quite the unstoppable force he was during the regular season. After averaging 31.1 points on 55.3% shooting during the year, he’s down to 24.3 points on 37.9% shooting in this series.

The Thunder also enter shorthanded with Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell sidelined by injuries. Fortunately for the defending champs, depth has been a strength all season. Alex Caruso, Jared McCain, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Jaylin Williams have all stepped into larger roles and delivered meaningful contributions.

Like the Spurs, the Thunder’s fate may come down to the bench. The stars will draw the headlines, but Game 7 often belongs to the unexpected contributor. With the home crowd behind them and a Finals berth at stake, Oklahoma City will be counting on its depth one more time.

PICKS

Spread: Spurs (+3)
Over/Under: Under (213)