Oklahoma City Thunder (29-13) vs. San Antonio Spurs (8-34)
The upcoming showdown between the high-flying Oklahoma City Thunder and the struggling San Antonio Spurs is set to be an intriguing matchup, with both teams showing contrasting forms this season. The Thunder are looking to solidify their position in the Western Conference, while the Spurs are battling to find some form. This game offers a vivid snapshot of the diverse dynamics at play in the NBA. Fans and bettors alike will be keenly searching for basketball free picks to navigate this potentially one-sided affair.
The Thunder have been nothing short of impressive this season. Their offense averages 121.7 points per game and features efficient field shooting at 50.4% rate while 3-point shooting stands at 39.1% – giving their game an extra edge. Furthermore, 27.4 assists per game is testament to their prowess as a distributor while their defensive play has been steady with 8.3 steals and 6.4 blocks per game; yet their turnover rate (11.6) leaves room for improvement.
Contrarily, despite their poor record, the Spurs have shown glimpses of potential. Averaging 112.5 points per game and boasting an offensive output that falls just short of that of the Thunder, their field goal percentage of 46% and 3-point percentage at 34.6% show room for improvement; their rebounding average stands out with 43 rebounds per game while 29 assists per game suggests team effort in ball movement; however defensive problems and their higher turnover rate (14.3 per game) have contributed significantly to their struggles.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 9:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Frost Bank Center |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG) vs. Victor Wembanyama (C)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having an outstanding season for the Thunder. He’s averaging career-highs in points (31.1), rebounds (5.6), and assists (6.3) per game. SGA is an elite shot creator who can score from all three levels. His improved playmaking makes the Thunder offense lethal. However, his defense is just average and he will have his hands full with Wembanyama.
Victor Wembanyama has lived up to the hype as the #1 overall draft pick. He is averaging 19.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per contest. His 7’8 wingspan makes him an elite rim protector and disruptive force. Offensively, Wembanyama can shoot from outside but does struggle with turnovers at times. He will need to avoid silly mistakes against OKC’s strong defense.
This matchup features two of the brightest young stars in the NBA. Wembanyama has a significant size advantage which could bother Gilgeous-Alexander. However, SGA’s quickness could also give the rookie some issues. This battle could decide the game.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds and lines are yet to be determined, analyzing the team’s performances and trends is vital in making informed betting decisions. The Thunder, with their stronger record and offensive stats, are likely to be the favorites in this matchup.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
The Thunder have seen 12 of their 21 road games finish over the posted total. They are also 25-16-1 to the over this season. OKC games have finished with 224+ points in 4 straight and 9 of their last 11 overall. Furthermore, the Thunder are 16-8 against the spread in their last 24 contests.
San Antonio Spurs Betting Trends
The Spurs have played a lot of high-scoring games lately, going over the total in 14 of their last 19 home matchups. They have also gone over in 3 straight contests. However, San Antonio has struggled to cover spreads, failing to beat the number in 4 of their past 5 outings. They are also just 19-23 against the spread on the year.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs 1/24/24 Betting Picks
Given the Thunder’s impressive form and the Spurs’ struggles, the smart pick seems to lean towards Oklahoma City, especially if the spread is reasonable. The Thunder’s offensive efficiency and defensive solidity make them a formidable opponent for the underperforming Spurs. However, bettors should closely watch the spread and total lines, as they could offer value depending on their levels.
In terms of prop bets and over/under, the Thunder’s recent trend towards lower totals and the Spurs’ opposite trend make this a tricky call. However, given the Thunder’s defensive capabilities, betting on a lower total could be a wise choice. For those looking to bet live, visiting a top live betting website during the game could offer valuable opportunities, as in-game dynamics and live odds can provide unique betting angles.
Free Pick and Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder 118, San Antonio Spurs 105
