Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
May 25, 2016
Date & Time: Thursday, May 26, 9:00 PM
Venue: Oracle Arena (Golden State)
Head to Head record
Oklahoma vs Golden State 118-94 (2015/2016 NBA)
Oklahoma vs Golden State 133-105 (2015/2016 NBA)
Golden State vs Oklahoma 118-91 (2015/2016 NBA)
Golden State vs Oklahoma 102-108 (2015/2016 NBA)
Golden State vs Oklahoma 121-106 (2015/2016 NBA)
Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder prediction
Following back-to-back defeats to Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena Golden State Warriors face a must-win situation in game 5. The title holders will have to be at their sharpest if they are to stay in the race for the NBA trophy, but Billy Donovan’s men have already proved their worth in the Western Conference final.
Do-or-die situation
Golden State Warriors impressed in game 2, with the team beating Oklahoma City Thunder 118-91 in Oakland, but the reigning champions failed to make life difficult for Billy Donovan’s team in previous two games at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Key players Stephen Curry failed to impress in the 118-94 loss to Oklahoma, with the last season’s MVP scoring no more than 19 points in game 4. The time has come for the “Golden Boy” to shine in the tie against Thunder and the fans certainly have faith in him. Golden State have been impressive at home this season, with the team suffering no more than one loss at their Oracle Arena in the regular season and it is no surprise they are regarded as hot favourites to emerge triumphant in game 5. Klay Thompson has been producing terrific displays of late and he is likely to pose a big threat for Thunder in Thursday’s clash.
Kevon Looney and James Michael McAdoo remain on the sidelines, but coach Steve Carr has no other selection worries ahead of game 5.
One more step
Oklahoma’s 118-94 win over Golden State put the defending champions on the brink of elimination in the NBA play-offs semis. Thunder produced yet another splendid display in the tie against Steve Kerr’s men and they are certainly brimming with confidence ahead of the trip to Oakland. Duo Russell Westbrook – Kevin Durant scored 62 points between each other in Game 4 and it is more than obvious that Warriors do not seem capable of stopping Oklahoma’s key players. Thunder are tough to beat at home, but Thursday’s game against the NBA champs will be anything but a walk in the park for Billy Donovan’s charges and I do not believe that they are capable of upsetting Warriors once again. You should have in mind that Oklahoma City Thunder suffered 18 defeats on the road in the regular season, while recording 23 wins. In their last meeting with Golden State at Oracle Arena Thunder were hammered by Warriors 118-91.
Nick Colison did not play against Golden State in game 4 and the is unlikely to take part in Thursday’s clash against Steve Kerr’s team. Coach Billy Donovan can count on all of his starters for the Oracle Arena game.
Interesting facts
- Golden State scored 110+ points in 10 of their last 12 home games
- Warriors recorded nine wins in last ten home matches
- Kevin Durant has netted 114 points in the tie against Warriors so far
- Oklahoma recorded three wins in previous four away matches
- Thunder scored 251 points in previous two meetings with Warriors
Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder betting pick
Golden State Warriors have been playing below expectations in the 2016 NBA play-offs and they need to get back on course as soon as possible. Considering that Oklahoma are just one win away from the finals, I am positive that the hosts will leave their hearts on the court in game 5. Golden State want this win more than their opponents and that is the main reason why home win should be considered.
Pick: Golden State – 7.5
Odds: -107
