As they prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, the San Antonio Spurs are having a difficult time offensively. They are now ranked 27th in the league according to their average of 106.3 points per game when playing. Even though they have an excellent rebounding unit, they have been unable to close out games due to their inconsistent shooting (45.6% field goal percentage) and limited three-point success (33.7%). This was seen in their most recent defeat against Houston, 106-101. The absence of key players Devin Vassell and Tre Jones due to injury is a significant blow, which might further hinder their effectiveness while competing against a formidable Thunder defense.
On the flip side, the Oklahoma City Thunder have had a stellar start, currently ranking #1 in defensive efficiency. They’ve been able to limit their opponents to a mere 95.3 points per game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren lead a well-balanced attack that averages 114.7 points per game, placing them among the top ten scoring teams in the league. With a home-court advantage and a recent string of good form, including a convincing victory against Atlanta, they seem well-equipped to handle the game.
Considering San Antonio’s recent troubles and Oklahoma City’s superior defensive and offensive capabilities, the wager is placed on a spread of -13.5 in favor of the Oklahoma City Thunder.