The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the road in San Antonio tonight for a battle with the Spurs. The Thunder have quietly taken over the top spot in the Western Conference, winning seven of their last 10 games to improve to 30-13 on the season. Meanwhile, the Spurs are still struggling mightily, owning one of the worst records in the league and currently sit at the very bottom of the Western Conference.
However, the battle between both teams’ rookie big men makes the matchup must-see TV. San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama and OKC’s Chet Holmgren currently sit one and two in odds to take home this year’s Rookie of the Year Award.
The Thunder won the first matchup between the two, but both rookies struggled significantly in the game. Since then, they have both taken a step forward and will surely be looking forward to putting on a show in tonight’s matchup.
OKC is favored yet again, but given how the rookies have performed lately, the excitement is in their battle as opposed to the outcome. The game tips off at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Before the jump ball, look at the game insight below, including live odds and prop picks.
Thunder vs. Spurs odds: Point spread, moneyline, and total
Check out live NBA betting odds for Wednesday’s Thunder vs. Spurs contest:
Thunder betting news: OKC’s ‘Big 3’ beginning to hit their stride
While Holmgren’s play has earned plenty of attention, his teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has worked himself into the MVP conversation. He sits third in odds with most sportsbooks and may climb soon thanks to the impact his production is starting to have on the team’s record this season.
He is averaging 31.1 points per game, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.4 assists on a shooting split of 54.5, 31.9%, and 88.7%. Fans who haven’t seen much of the Thunder will get an up-close look of the league’s next superstar in tonight’s rookie battle as well.
Holmgren has had an up-and-down month in January, although his averages are solid – 15.5 points per game, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game. The last of his numbers is what has been most impressive and has had the most impact on the team. Protecting the rim has helped OKC win some impressive contests this month, including the Celtics and Timberwolves.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren aren’t alone in great production. Their starting power forward Jalen Williams is taking his game up a notch as well. In January, he is averaging season highs in points, field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, and rebounds. His current monthly totals are 20.8 points per game, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. He is doing so on a 60%, 56.3%, 75.7% shooting split.
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Spurs betting news: Wembanyama not getting much help from his running mates
After a slow start to the season, Wembanyama is beginning to put the pieces of the puzzle together. This month, he is averaging 24.8 points per game on 52.6% from the field – both of which are season highs.
He has scored at least 24 points in five consecutive games despite not having played 30 or more minutes in a single game this month. His efficiency and effectiveness are rising by the contest as he begins to take over as the much-needed star in San Antonio.
The only other true threat to score the ball in the Spurs’ starting lineup is shooting guard Devin Vassell, who is averaging 17.9 points per game, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. He is shooting the ball at clips of 45.9%, 36.6, and 81.4%.
If the Spurs are to compete, they’ll need a lot of scoring assistance from the others to keep pace with the surprisingly high-scoring Thunder.
Read more: NBA futures odds | NBA prop betting
Updated NBA Rookie of the Year odds
Below are the updated Rookie of the Year odds at BetMGM Sportsbook:
The roles for Wembanyama and Holmgren are completely different. Much more is needed from Wembanyama for his team to compete, which should help keep his numbers more impressive at the end of the season. However, the Thunder are currently exceeding expectations by a long shot.
If they finish atop the Western Conference, that could significantly impact who takes home the trophy.
The Spurs are on track for less than 20 wins this season. Although circumstances in San Antonio are vastly different than those in OKC, the vast difference in wins could very well play a role in deciding who comes away with the award.
Thunder vs. Spurs player prop picks
The big men held each other in check in the last matchup. However, that was less than a month into the season. Now that both have half a season of hoops under their belts in the big league, fans may be in for the thrilling battle they expected in the first matchup. Here are some of the best player props to consider for the game at BetMGM.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander prop bets
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Chet Holmgren prop bets
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Victor Wembanyama prop bets
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Thunder vs. Spurs prediction
The Thunder allow a sizable number of points to opponents, which should help the Spurs keep it competitive. However, OKC is second in the league in points in the paint allowed, which will be critical to pulling this one out with two seven-footers guarding the rim. Look for Gilgeous-Alexander to put this one away down the stretch to ruin a big night from Wembanyama.
Prediction: Thunder
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