Published May 23, 5:49pm ET by
James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated May 23, 5:49pm ET
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Updated May 23, 5:49pm ET
Sunday’s NBA Playoff action features the San Antonio Spurs hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of this conference finals series. Who has the edge in our Spurs vs Thunder pick?
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| San Antonio Spurs | -2 (-110) |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +2 (-110) |
Early on, San Antonio seemed to be on their way to an easy victory. The home team opened the game on a 15-0 run, the longest run to open a game in the conference finals since 1997, and seemingly had the defending champs on the ropes.
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However, Oklahoma City trimmed the deficit to five after the opening frame before outscoring the Spurs in each of the remaining three quarters. This included a game-changing 32-20 edge in the second. The final result was a double-digit win for OKC, who now leads this best-of-seven series 2-1.
All five starters tallied double-digit scoring totals. Victor Wembanyama led the charge with 26 points, while collecting only four rebounds. Devin Vassell added 20 points, with three made 3-pointers.
The Spurs dropped consecutive games for the first time this postseason and must regroup in a hurry to avoid going down 3-1.
On the other side, the Thunder came out the gate slow, falling behind 15-0. And the home crowd was in a frenzy, as its team had not hosted a playoff game in nine years.
Despite facing an early avalanche, the Thunder methodically cut the lead to single digits before producing a 69-53 advantage over the middle two quarters en route to a double-digit victory. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a team-high 26 points and handed out 12 assists. But the major takeaway from this win was the solid performances OKC got from its bench.
Jared McCain, who was acquired midseason, poured in 24 points. Jaylin Williams contributed 18 points on 5-for-6 shooting from 3-point range. Alex Caruso chipped in with 15 points, helping the second unit dominate the bench minutes by a 76-23 margin.
The Thunder have beaten San Antonio twice in a row after dropping four of five against them during the regular season. Will that trend continue or will the Spurs level the series at 2-2?
San Antonio enters this contest as a two-point favorite. Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of Game 4.
After taking the opener, the Spurs have dropped two straight. Meanwhile, OKC is undefeated in its last five road games. Although the Thunder overcame a large deficit to steal Game 3, look for San Antonio to respond.
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Pick
San Antonio Spurs (-2)
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