The San Antonio Spurs face a critical challenge as they attempt to upset the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup Semifinals on Saturday night. Coming off a surprising victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, the Spurs aim to extend their winning streak against a Thunder team that boasts an impressive record of 24-1. This matchup will take place at the T-Mobile Arena, with the game starting at 9:00 p.m. EST.
The Thunder solidified their status as contenders with a commanding win against the Phoenix Suns, showcasing their dominance throughout the season. Since the return of Jalen Williams from injury, the Thunder have not lost a game, further underscoring their formidable lineup. In contrast, the Spurs have also experienced a surge in performance, even with star center Victor Wembanyama sidelined due to a calf injury. Wembanyama is listed as probable for Saturday’s game, which could significantly impact San Antonio’s chances.
As they prepare for this semifinal contest, the Spurs come in as underdogs, with odds set at Spurs +9.5 and Thunder -9.5, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The total points over/under is established at 226.5. San Antonio’s recent form, which included a 6.5-point underdog win against the Lakers, adds an interesting dynamic to the upcoming game, but they will need to overcome a much tougher opponent in the Thunder.
Injury reports indicate that the Spurs will be without players such as Riley Minix and Harrison Ingram, while the Thunder are missing several key players, including Isaiah Joe and Thomas Sorber. Both teams will look to maximize their rosters as they vie for a place in the NBA Cup finals.
Key Player Prop Bets
Among the player prop bets to consider, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands out. He is expected to make at least two 3-pointers during the game, reflecting his improved shooting accuracy this season. With a 3-point shooting percentage of 45.4% and an average of 2.3 made 3-pointers per game, Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently performed well. The Spurs rank 16th in opponent 3-pointers made and 25th in opponent 3-point percentage, making this a promising matchup for him.
While there is a concern that Gilgeous-Alexander might be rested if the game results in a blowout, he has already demonstrated his ability to make an impact early in games, as evidenced by his performance against the Suns.
Match Prediction
As the NBA’s most dominant team this season, the Thunder have maintained a remarkable net rating of +17.2. Despite the Spurs’ resilience as underdogs, the Thunder’s recent form suggests they are unlikely to falter. Oklahoma City has won its last four games by margins of 12 points or more and has shown exceptional performance in the NBA Cup, with victories by large margins.
The Spurs have a promising young core, including players like De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle, but they will face significant challenges against the Thunder’s elite defenders. Players such as Cason Wallace, Lu Dort, and Alex Caruso could make scoring difficult for San Antonio.
Given the Thunder’s current form and their ability to maintain a winning streak, the prediction leans heavily towards Oklahoma City. The recommendation is to take the Thunder at -9.5, reflecting their superiority in this matchup.
As the teams prepare to clash, fans can expect an electrifying game filled with high stakes. With both teams eager to secure their place in the finals, Saturday night promises to deliver an exciting showdown in the NBA Cup Semifinals.
