After winning their last game against the Houston Rockets, the Golden State Warriors traveled to Oklahoma City to face the defending champions. However, they have several major injury concerns and face a Thunder team that has won each of its last four games.
Oklahoma City entered Saturday night with a 49-15 record, already knocking on the door of its 50th win of the season, while Golden State is 32-30 and in eighth place in the West.
Mark Daigneault's side have also won eight of their last 10 games, and have held opponents to 106.5 points per game during that span. Golden State, meanwhile, has struggled for consistency, going 4-6 in its last 10 contests while allowing 116.3 points per game.
These teams have met three times already this season, and the last meeting was a lopsided 131-94 win for the Thunder, fueled by a 30-point performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The following prospects are based on DraftKings' coverage.
Warriors vs Thunder Odds
Warriors: +9.5
Thunder: -9.5
Overs: 228.5
Under: 228.5
Warriors vs Thunder Major Injuries
Golden State is entering this matchup heavily shorthanded. Stephen Curry is out with a knee injury. Jimmy Butler (ACL) is out for the season while Moses Moody (wrist) and Seth Curry (back) are also sidelined.
Gary Payton II is questionable with an ankle problem. However, the potential return of Kristaps Porzingis gives them some reason for optimism.
The Thunder are relatively healthy. Jalen Williams is out with a hamstring injury, while Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and Alex Caruso (hip) are both listed as day-to-day. Thomas Sorber is out for the season with a knee injury.
Warriors vs Thunder Betting Trends
Oklahoma City has a 34–9 record against Western Conference opponents. Recent head-to-head results also favor Oklahoma City. The Thunder have taken Golden State to task already this season, including a blowout 37-point victory in January.
With Shai-Gilgeous Alexander fit and effective, this seems pretty straightforward on paper. However, with the stellar Draymond Green leading the way and Porzingis expected to play, the Warriors can always surprise.
Keys to Warriors vs. Thunder matchup
The biggest challenge for Golden State will be finding enough offensive firepower without Stephen Curry. The Warriors have relied heavily on Brandin Podziemski, who is averaging 16.7 points over the last 10 games.
The Thunder averaged 118.9 points per game, while also limiting opponents to 43.6% shooting from the field.
Warriors vs Thunder Predictions and Selections
Golden State's system still produces efficient offense through ball movement and spacing, but without Curry, the Warriors lack the consistent scoring punch needed to keep up with Oklahoma City's attack. Given the Warriors' injuries and this huge blow to the reigning NBA champions, we expect a low-scoring game.
spread pick:Thunder -9.5
Total Selection: under 228.5
