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The NBA is always better when there’s a rivalry. Not one manufactured by the league, but two teams that genuinely don’t like one another and are in each other’s way en route to a championship.
We lucked into that exact situation when the Thunder and Spurs met for the first time in December of last season and every game has been appointment television since.
So it’s only right the NBA tips off in San Antonio with the Thunder looking to take down the team that bounced them from the playoffs in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
The Spurs enter their season opener as 2.5-point favorites, with the Over/Under sitting at 231.5 total points.
Spurs vs. Thunder prediction
The Spurs and Thunder played a classic playoff series that featured some of the most intense basketball we’ve seen in a long time.
That didn’t begin in the playoffs — most of their games last season had that quality.
Regular-season games usually aren’t that physical, but the Thunder have plenty of reason to approach this game with an extra level of effort.
Victor Wembanyama was a game-changing force at various points, and when he asserted his dominance, he made the Thunder look helpless on defense.
When he didn’t, the Thunder were able to use their experience to keep the Spurs at bay.
In the end, key injuries for the Thunder made the biggest difference.
Without Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell, the offensive load fell directly onto Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
A healthy Thunder team, specifically one with Williams who is their best and most versatile defender, should have a better time defending the Spurs.
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I’ll always be concerned about Chet Holmgren in this matchup, but even without him, the Thunder have plenty of talent to throw at the Spurs.
I’ll bet on the Thunder to steal the spotlight from the Spurs on opening night.
The Pick: Thunder moneyline (+114, bet365)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Malik Smith has been immersed in the sports betting industry since 2017. He’s a data nerd with a particular focus on the NBA and combat sports. He spends his weeknights in the winter looking for edges on plus-money NBA player props.