The young and explosive OKC Thunder match up with the seasoned Warriors in what should be a pretty close game. Following their last four losses and the multiple ejections against Minnesota, Golden State will be looking for some redemption in this one, but that may be harder than they expect.
The Thunder definitely won’t let them get a dub too easily, as they are coming off two convincing wins against the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns. Adding insult to injury, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been playing fantastic, and the rookie Chet Holmgren is really coming into his own.
However, you can never count Golden State out, as in their last meeting on November 3rd, the Warriors were able to squeeze out a win 139-141. And if the splash bros manage to heat up, they can easily bury a team from beyond the three-point line, as we all know.
No matter which way you look at it, there will be some serious mismatches on Thursday, whether it’s the 7’1 Holdgrem or the natural mismatch of really anyone guarding Curry.
These are both potent rosters, no matter which way you look at them, so it will likely come down to the wire, but we have to give the Thunder an edge.
Warriors vs Thunder Odds, Spread Prediction
- Pick: Thunder +3.5
- Odds: -213 (Tonybet)
As the Thunder gear up to face the Warriors in the upcoming clash, the advantage tilts in their favour, largely owing to the imposing presence of 7’1″ Chet Holmgren and Klay Thompson’s weak play.
Klay is currently having one of the worst starts of any season since he was drafted, averaging just 14.6 points this season. This leaves almost the entire offence on Curry’s shoulders, and although he is the best shooter of all time, he needs a stronger second option.
The towering Holmgren should also throw a wrench in the Warriors game plan, seeing as the slashing Andrew Wiggins is likely to run into a wall when going downhill. Holdgrem has been able to average a strong 2.2 blocks per game, which should really limit any easy drives or post-ups by Golden State.
That’s not even to mention the spectacular play coming out of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been averaging a stellar 33.8 points over the last five games. Curry will likely be matched bucket for bucket up top, and the rest of the Warriors roster is unlikely to really step up to the plate.
That goes for both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball because Chris Paul isn’t a defensive monster, and who is really going to pick up the inside? Draymond Green?
Just look at their records over the last five games. Golden State is on a four-game losing streak, while OKC has won four of their last five. Although it’s only a small sample size, this really hasn’t been the Golden State we know and love, so we have got to give it to the young and athletic Thunder roster.
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Warriors vs Thunder Player Pick and Betting Tip
- Pick: Klay Thompson under 21.5
- Odds: -120 (Tonybet)
The prediction is that Klay Thompson will score less than 21.5 points for a number of reasons, although mainly because of his lack of scoring so far this season. While he is usually a 20PPG scorer, his numbers have dropped substantially, averaging below 15 points for the first time since his rookie season.
His struggles to find a rhythm and contribute substantially not only spell bad times for the Warriors but really raise questions about what happened. It is simply not normal for Klay to shoot like this. Since when has he shot just 26.6% from the three-point line over a four-game stretch?
Unless he really kicks it into high gear, he will have another subpar showing. As with any prediction, things in sports can be unpredictable, but recent games suggest it’s pretty safe to expect Thompson to score under the 21.5-point mark.
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