Oklahoma City Thunder Favored Over San Antonio Spurs in NBA Cup Matchup

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs faced off in an NBA Cup matchup on Tuesday, November 19, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. The Thunder, leading the Northwest Division with a 11-3 record, entered the game as significant favorites against the Spurs, who are fourth in the Southwest Division with a 6-8 record.

The Thunder were listed as 9.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 222.5 points. Oklahoma City’s strong performance this season, including a plus-11.9-point differential and a 4-1 road record, contributed to their favorable odds. In contrast, the Spurs have struggled, particularly with a minus-1 point differential and the absence of key players due to injuries.

Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ star center and the No. 1 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, was ruled out for the game due to a right knee contusion. Wembanyama’s absence is significant, as he averages 22.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.7 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. Other injured Spurs players include Devin Vassell (foot), who is questionable, and Jeremy Sochan (thumb), who is out.

The Thunder also dealt with injuries, as Alex Caruso (hip) and Chet Holmgren (hip) were both out for the game. Despite these absences, the Thunder have shown resilience, winning seven of their last eight games against the Spurs, including a recent 105-93 victory on October 30.

Analysts and betting models predict a strong performance from the Thunder, with many recommending a bet on Oklahoma City to cover the spread. The SportsLine Projection Model, which has a strong track record of NBA predictions, simulated the game 10,000 times and leaned towards the Thunder covering the spread and the total points going under 223.5.

The game was broadcast live on TNT, and fans were keen to see how the Spurs would perform without their key player, Victor Wembanyama, and how the Thunder would capitalize on their opponent’s weakened lineup.