The San Antonio Spurs will play their final road game this season this Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Will the Spurs stun Oklahoma City again? Or, will the Thunder, who begin a three-game homestand, secure a win to boost their odds for a No. 2 seed in the West?
Catch this game live on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 8:00 AM, Manila time
Away: San Antonio Spurs (20-59, 10-30 Away)
Projected Starting Five:
- Tre Jones
- Malaki Branham
- Julian Champagnie
- Victor Wembanyama (Questionable)
- Zach Collins
There’s really nothing for the Spurs to play for, with just three games remaining on their regular-season schedule. It wouldn’t be a surprise if San Antonio ultimately rules out Victor Wembanyama for the Thunder game, considering the low stakes for the Spurs and the fact that they just played a day before, which was in a 102-87 road win over fellow lottery-bound team Memphis Grizzlies.
But if he does play, he’ll be trouble for the Thunder. The last time San Antonio and the Thunder met, Wemby had 28 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and five blocks while shooting 9/17 from the field in a 132-118 win at home on Mar. 1. The Spurs could also turn to Malaki Branham this Thursday, as he’s been playing great of large, as he’s averaged 16.4 points and shot over 40 percent from behind the arc in the last five San Antonio games. On the season, the Spurs are 10-9 against the spread in games after a win.
Home: Oklahoma City Thunder (54-25, 30-8 Home)
Projected Starting Five:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Josh Giddey
- Luguentz Dort
- Kenrich Williams
- Chet Holmgren
In his first game back from injury, MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 40 points during Wednesday’s 112-105 home win against the Sacramento Kings. The Thunder can’t just relax yet, especially since their dream to win the top seed in the West is mathematically still alive. They have locked up a top-three spot in the conference, but a win against the Spurs could boost their chances of at least moving up to the No. 2 spot.
On a more personal level, the Thunder also want to avenge their aforementioned loss to San Antonio last March. If the Spurs roll without Wemby, they will be greatly exposing themselves to the scorching OKC offense minus the anchor of their defense. The Thunder are third in the NBA this season with 119.7 points per game and third as well with a 57.2 effective field goal percentage.
Picks
Spread: Oklahoma City Thunder (-15.0)
Over/Under: Over (226.5)
