Spurs vs Thunder Game 2 Best Bets: Top Picks for Western Conference Finals

Double overtime in the opener and the San Antonio Spurs announced their presence in the Western Conference finals by swiping Game 1 of the best-of-seven series.

What can the Thunder and Spurs deliver for an encore?

Why not another classic?

Since there is only one game Wednesday — the Knicks and Cavaliers will be prepping for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals — let's get beneath the surface for the best plays for OKC's attempt to even the series.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City: Best Bets

First half total: Spurs, Under 53.5 at -115

It is easy to look at the final score and think that “take the over” on this, until you take notice that the Spurs recorded 122 points across four regular periods and two overtime periods. San Antonio has a solid offense capable of scoring 120+ points a night, as they did against Minnesota in three games, but Oklahoma City has one of the best defenses in the NBA.

The Spurs scored 51 in the first half in Game One, but after losing Game One, there is a good chance we will see a more intense effort from the Thunder — especially in the first half.

First half total: Thunder, Under 57.5 at -110

OKC played well in Game One; just not well enough to overcome a monster effort by Victor Wembanyama and the rest of the Spurs. Prior to OKC’s 44-point first half in Game One, the Thunder scored 57+ points in seven of eight playoff games. So, take the over, right?

Not so fast. Neither Phoenix nor the Lakers has a defense that can compare with San Antonio’s. Oklahoma City will likely score more in the first half tonight, but the Spurs' defense will keep the Thunder from going off and over their first-half total.

Second Half Winner: San Antonio at +124

As dominant as the Thunder have been all season, I am sure the expectation many have heading into this game is that OKC will play with a sense of vengeance to make up for the loss in Game One. But while that will drive them to have a better first half and possibly take a lead heading into the break, look for the Spurs to regroup at halftime and adjust to whatever worked for the Thunder in the first half.

I am not so confident in the Thunder to make the adjustments they’ll need to make in the second half. Consequently, we will see better effort from the Spurs in the second half after they make their adjustments. Enough of one to overcome the first-half deficit?

I don’t know, but they will win the second half.