Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
January 18, 2017
Date & time: Wednesday, January 19, 10:30 PM
Venue: Oracle Arena (Oakland)
Head to head record
Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder 122-96 (2016/2017 NBA)
Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder 96-88 (2015/2016 NBA)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors 101-108 (2015/2016 NBA)
Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder 120-111 (2015/2016 NBA)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors 118-94 (2015/2016 NBA)
Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder prediction
Having crushed Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, Golden State Warriors will be looking to give fans yet another reason for celebration when they welcome Oklahoma City Thunder at their Oracle Arena on Wednesday evening.
Sweet revenge
Golden State Warriors were beaten by Golden State Warriors in the NBA final last season and, to make things even worse for the fans, they suffered an unlucky 109-108 defeat to LeBron James and Co. at Quicken Loans Arena in their first meeting of the new season. Nonetheless, Steve Kerr’s men did remarkably well to get their revenge on the title holders as they hammered Cavs 126-91 at their Oracle Arena on Monday. Warriors are undisputedly the best team in the NBA at the moment, but they can’t afford any complacency in Wednesday’s game against Oklahoma City Thunder as Russell Westbrook is enjoying a season to remember. Golden State are after their fourth consecutive win at home, but it has to be noted that they suffered a shocking 119-128 loss to Memphis Grizzlies at their Oracle Arena earlier in January. Kevin Durant has been averaging 25.8 points this season and he is likely to make life difficult for his former teammates on Wednesday evening.
Steve Kerr has no fresh injury worries ahead of the visit of Oklahoma and he is unlikely to rest his key players (Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry) against Thunder.
Ups and downs
It is well known that last season’s top scorer Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City Thunder in the summer and many people expected that the team would be struggling in the 2016/2017 NBA season. However, Russell Westbrook has quickly established himself as the team’s leader and he has been producing outstanding performances this term. Westbrook has 30.7 points and 10.3 assists per game and, no doubt, Warriors will give their all to prevent him from scoring more than 25 points in Wednesday’s clash at Oracle Arena. Oklahoma City Thunder have been having their ups and downs in January and following a 122-118 win over Sacramento Kings, Billy Donovan’s team suffered a heavy 120-98 defeat to Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Oladipo has been struggling to find his best form ever since he returned from injury and it has to be noted that the former Orlando Magic star scored only six points in the loss to Clippers.
Center Steve Adams (concussion) is sidelined with injury, but coach Billy Donovan has no other injury concerns ahead of the trip to Oakland. In Adams’ absence, Kanter will certainly spend more time on the court.
Interesting facts
- Golden State scored 125+ points in four of their last six home games
- Warriors suffered only one defeat in previous 12 matches at home
- Oklahoma were beaten by Golden State in previous four encounters at Oracle Arena
- Stephen Curry has been averaging 24.6 points this season
- Russell Westbrook scored 20 points in a 122-96 loss to Warriors earlier this season
Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder betting pick
Golden State Warriors rolled over reigning champions Cleveland Cavaliers in their last home game and it is no surprise they are regarded as main favourites to win the NBA title. Steve Kerr’s charges have been impressive at their Oracle Arena of late and they are likely to crush Thunder, who head into the match after the 120-98 loss to Clippers.
Pick: Golden State -12.5
Odds: -110
