- The Thunder are still favorites to win the Western Conference Finals, but with just -115 odds compared to San Antonio at -105.
- Oklahoma City is a seven point favorite at home in Game 2. The Spurs have not lost by more than five points this postseason.
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Western Conference Finals took a dramatic turn after a double overtime thriller in Game 1 between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Western Conference Champion Odds
- Oklahoma City Thunder -115
- San Antonio Spurs -105
Game 1 caused a drastic shift in series odds dropping the Thunder from -245 favorites all the way down to -115, while the Spurs jumped from +205 to -105, making the series essentially a toss up at this point in the eyes of Texas sports betting sites.
Since 2021, there have been 31 instances where the higher seeded team lost Game 1 of their series. Of those series, the higher seed has managed to advance to the next round 15 times, a less than 50% rate.
The good news for the Thunder is that they were in this exact situation twice last season and were able to win each of those two series. Additionally, both the Spurs and Pistons managed to pull off this exact feat this postseason.
However, if the Thunder want any chance to pull it off, they’ll need a win tonight, as just two of the 31 teams to fall down 0-1 as the higher seed also lost Game 2 and still managed to win the series.
San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder Game 2 Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spurs | +7.0 (-110) | +200 | O 217.0 (-110) |
| Thunder | -7.0 (-110) | -240 | U 217.0 (-110) |
The Spurs handed the Thunder their first loss of the postseason on Monday, but find themselves as seven point underdogs in Game 2 at legal sports betting sites.
OKC went a perfect 7-0 in last season’s playoffs following a loss, including Game 1 losses to both the Nuggets and Pacers. They also went 4-0 in Game 2s getting crucial wins before the series shifts back to the road.
Of the aforementioned 31 teams to fall down 0-1 in a series as the higher seed, 23 of them were able to get a Game 2 win at home, winning Game 2 just under 75% of the time. The variable that cannot be accounted for in this equation, however, is Victor Wembanyama, who posted 41 points, 24 rebounds, and 3 blocks in Game 1.
The Thunder have some history on their side here, but picking San Antonio against a somewhat lofty seven point spread is the smart play.
While Oklahoma City is certainly going to come out with a sense of urgency, the Spurs have lost just three games by a total of 10 points and have more 20 point wins than losses this postseason. Roll with the Spurs until they give a reason not to.
