Published May 18, 12:56am ET by
James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated May 18, 12:56am ET
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Updated May 18, 12:56am ET
Monday’s NBA Playoff action features the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of this conference finals series. Who has the edge in our Thunder vs Spurs pick?
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| Oklahoma City Thunder | -6.5 (-110) |
| San Antonio Spurs | +6.5 (-110) |
The defending champs trailed the Lakers entering the fourth quarter for the first time during these playoffs. But solid late-game execution allowed OKC to pull away down the stretch en route to a five-point victory.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who became the 14th player to win the league MVP award in back-to-back seasons, scored 35 points to go along with eight assists. Ajay Mitchell added 28 points and four assists on 12-for-19 shooting from the field.
Mitchell averaged 22.5 points per contest on 56.3 percent shooting against Los Angeles, stepping up for the injured Jalen Williams. Oklahoma City's 8-0 record entering the conference finals ties the longest undefeated start by a defending champion in playoff history.
While the Thunder struggled to create separation against its opponent, the Spurs did not. In fact, the road team went on to win 139-109, leading by as many as 37 points before emptying its bench early in the fourth quarter.
Stephon Castle continues to add to his breakout postseason. He scored a team-high 32 points and collected 11 rebounds. De'Aaron Fox finished with 21 points and nine assists, while Victor Wembanyama chipped in with 19 points and three blocks, wreaking havoc defensively.
San Antonio set a franchise record with 18 made 3-pointers. Furthermore, the Spurs outscored the Timberwolves by 97 points across the series, and never trailed by double digits at any point of the six-game set.
Oklahoma City enters this contest as a 6.5-point favorite. Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of Game 1.
The Thunder have dropped four of the previous five meetings between these ball clubs. Additionally, San Antonio boasts a 12-2 mark across its previous 14 road outings. Given how well the Spurs have matched up against OKC this season, don't be surprised if they pull off the upset in the opener.
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Pick
San Antonio Spurs (+6.5)
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