Expectations could not have been higher for this series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs when it tipped off a little less than two weeks ago.
To say that the Western Conference Finals have not disappointed would be a gross understatement. Although the individual games have not exactly been riveting since an epic opener, the end result – a Game 7 – is precisely what everyone wanted to see.
With tipoff set for 8:00 pm ET on NBC, it’s time to break down Saturday’s matchup and discuss the best bets to make for this crucial decider in the NBA Playoffs.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 7 betting picks and predictions
San Antonio Spurs +3.5 (-110)
There is no denying that home-court advantage has been important in this series, but it has not completely carried the day. The Spurs took Game 1 in Oklahoma City before losing once at home (Game 3). They also prevailed in OKC – and by 15 points – on Christmas Day.
Obviously winning Game 7 of a championship series is a whole different proposition than regular-season Christmas shenanigans, but the bottom line is that this team has no fear going into enemy territory.
Whereas San Antonio is fully loaded with a clean bill of health, Oklahoma City is without Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell. Williams just hasn’t been able to figure out his hamstring problems and will miss his fourth game of the series following another setback on Thursday. Mitchell will be sidelined from a fourth consecutive contest due to a calf injury.
All in all, this sets up very well for the Spurs. They are healthier, have momentum from winning Game 6 and the pressure is all on the defending champion Thunder.
Under 212.0 (-110)
Given how unreliable Oklahoma City’s offense has been and how stout both defenses are, it’s hard to feel good about backing the over. Instead, rolling with the under is the way to go.
Two of the last three Thunder point totals have been 82 and 91. It is true that both of those anemic efforts came in San Antonio, but there is no reason why the Spurs’ defense can’t also put the clamps down in OKC. They held the Thunder to 102 points on Christmas and to 101 in regulation the first game in this series, which was in Oklahoma City (the visitors ended up winning 122-115 in double-overtime.
In the regular season, the Thunder and Spurs ranked first and fourth, respectively, in the Western Conference in scoring defense.
Dylan Harper Over 9.5 points (-130)
With De'Aaron Fox struggling, Dylan Harper has been tasked with picking up some slack – and he is rising to the occasion. The No. 2 overall pick of last year’s draft has scored at least 12 points in three of the six games during this series, including 24 in the opener and 18 on Friday. He went 6-for-9 from the floor, 2-for-3 from three-point range and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in Game 6.
Success against Oklahoma City is nothing new for Harper. In each of the last two regular-season encounters between these two teams, the Rutgers product delivered 12 points.
Read more betting picks and predictions for the NBA on site.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 7 odds
San Antonio Spurs | +130 |
Oklahoma City Thunder | -155 |
Spread | OKC Thunder -3.5 |
Total Points | O/U 212.0 |
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 7 player props
Victor Wembanyama (SA Spurs) | O/U 26.5 |
Stephon Castle (SA Spurs) | O/U 17.5 |
De’Aaron Fox (SA Spurs) | O/U 13.5 |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder) | O/U 30.5 |
Chet Holmgren (OKC Thunder) | O/U 13.5 |
Jared McCain (OKC Thunder) | O/U 12.5 |
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 7 team news
San Antonio Spurs
Nobody on San Antonio’s active roster has any kind of injury designation for Game 7. However, the visitors will want to see improvement from Fox, who has struggled since returning from an ankle issue.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Alex Caruso, Jared McCain, Kenrich Williams and Cason Wallace are expected to see more minutes than usual for OKC with Ajay Mitchell and Jalen Williams sidelined.
Read the latest NBA news on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
