Thunder vs. Spurs Betting Preview
LAS VEGAS, NV (The Spread) – Should bettors take the Spurs on the money line tonight versus the Thunder in Game 5?
The NBA Western Conference Finals continue tonight in San Antonio, TX as the Spurs host the Thunder in a pivotal Game 5 coverage provided by TNT starting at 9pm.
The Spurs came out in a hurry in this series, with a quick and easy 2-0 lead. But Serge Ibaka’s return gave the Thunder that extra push and confidence to even the series, which now sits at two games apiece.
This series has quickly changed momentum, as you could’ve easily penciled in the Spurs with a sweep until this series landed in Oklahoma City. The Thunder finally came to play on the defensive end in Games 3 and 4, as they were outscored by a combined 52 points in the first couple of games. The Spurs are trying to not have history repeat itself, as they were in a similar situation in 2012 versus the Thunder with Oklahoma City coming away with the series then.
The Spurs are a crafty, veteran club with a great head coach in Gregg Popovich. San Antonio will come in with a solid game plan ready to take the 3-2 series lead. You can’t count out the Thunder, especially getting a momentum boost from Ibaka, but his return won’t mean as much in San Antonio.
The postseason often comes down to adjustments and you have to give the coaching edge to Popovich in this series. The athleticism edge without a doubt goes to the Thunder, but I see the Spurs’ craftiness, and experience overcoming what they lack in athleticism.
The key to bettors, in my opinion, would be to suck up the juice and take the Spurs on the money line. There’s no doubt this one should be close, but I just see the Spurs pulling away at the end. Don’t give the Thunder the chance for a backdoor cover – take the Spurs for the outright win.
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