The San Antonio Spurs (3-6) face the Oklahoma City Thunder (2-6) Sunday at Paycom Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Spurs at Thunder odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Spurs are 1-2 across their last three games but are 2-1 against the spread, losing by a mere point to the Dallas Mavericks.
They’re led by the surging play of G Dejounte Murray. However, they’ll have to push the pace Sunday as starting C Jakob Poeltl will miss the game due to health and safety protocols.
The Thunder are coming off their second win of the season, a cover over the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday. Both of Oklahoma City’s victories came against the Lakers.
Its underrated backcourt of G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and G Lu Dort can both defend and score at high levels, making this match a thrilling contest of two competitive sets of guards.
Spurs at Thunder odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Spurs -170 (bet $170 to win $100) | Thunder +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
- Against the spread (ATS): Spurs -3.5 (-115) | Thunder +3.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 213.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)
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Spurs at Thunder key injuries
Spurs
- C Jakob Poeltl (health and safety protocols) out
Thunder
- None affecting gambling odds
Spurs at Thunder odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Spurs 106, Thunder 98
Money line
“LEAN” to the SPURS (-170), but considering the lack of value here I’d really only consider playing if it gets down to -150. That’s unlikely to happen without surprise injury news between now and tip-off.
Against the spread
BET on the SPURS -3.5 (-115) as their roster is far more complete. The Spurs have talent all across their starting roster and are led by future Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich.
San Antonio has really only lost games to quality opponents like the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers — all potential playoff teams. The Spurs rank 20th in offensive rating and 8th in defensive rating.
Their defensive-minded backcourt should be an ugly matchup for Dort and SGA who just abused LA’s older backcourt during their last outing, the Spurs should come out on top, and I expect a cover on a mere 3.5-point spread.
San Antonio is 6-3 against the spread while Oklahoma City, who typically has opened as near double-digit underdogs, is just 4-4.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the UNDER 213.5 (-115) as Murray’s length should be an issue for SGA, who is the Thunder’s only consistent scoring option.
SGA has put up 27 or more points in the Thunder’s wins over the Lakers, and he should get those types of opportunities Sunday too. However, while the Spurs do rank in the top ten in pace, they also rarely turn the ball over.
Combine that with the Thunder’s bottom-two offensive rating, and I think this could be a slow, low-scoring affair. The Under is covering at a near 65% rate this season.
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