Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs

The upcoming NBA matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs is attracting attention, particularly due to the uncertainty surrounding key players from both teams. Scheduled for Monday, November 18, 2024, at 9:30 PM ET at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, the game will be broadcast on NBA TNT.

The Spurs, who currently hold a 6-8 record this season, are facing challenges, having lost their last two games to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. They previously faced the Thunder earlier this season, losing 105-93, and have been inconsistent since, with five wins and five losses. Notably, only three of their eight losses have been within a single-digit margin, contributing to the Spurs being considered a +9.5 point underdog for their upcoming home game.

For the Oklahoma City Thunder, who boast an 11-3 record, this game marks an opportunity to recover following their most recent defeat. The team has performed commendably in recent matches, winning three of their last four games. However, they will face this game without Chet Holmgren, which might impact their road performance. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to continue leading the team, with hopes of advancing his campaign for the MVP title.

Victor Wembanyama‘s potential absence for the Spurs could be significant. Without him, the Spurs may struggle defensively, providing an opening for Gilgeous-Alexander to excel. Vaughan Dalzell from NBC Sports remarked, «With Victor Wembanyama likely out for this game, the lane is wide open for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a scoring machine who consistently delivers 30-plus points.»

In terms of odds, the Oklahoma City Thunder are currently favored with a moneyline of -430, while the Spurs stand at +340. The total score prediction is set at 222.5, with NBC Sports expressing low confidence in an outcome favoring the under.

The Thunder, traditionally strong on the road this season with a 4-1 record, face a significant test without one of their leading players. Jay Croucher, along with Drew Dinsick and other experts, offer insights that favor Oklahoma City but also recognize the unpredictability that often accompanies such games, especially when key players like Holmgren and Wembanyama are unavailable.