Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors Betting Preview
May 23, 2016
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 25, 7:00 PM
Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena (Oklahoma City)
Head to Head Record
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)
Oklahoma vs Golden State 118-121 (2015/2016 NBA)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors prediction
Defending champions Golden State will be looking to get their revenge on Oklahoma for a heavy 133-105 loss in game 3. Warriors failed to impress in Sunday’s clash at Chesapeake Energy Arena, but they should not be written off just yet.
All eyes on Westbrook and Durant
Oklahoma City are on the right track to beat the odds and eliminate reigning champions Golden State Warriors in the NBA Western Conference final. Thunder are leading the series (2-1) ahead of game 4, but it remains to be seen if they are capable of producing yet another terrific display against Steve Kerr’s troops. Billy Donovan’s team scored 133 points in game 3, with duo Russell Westbrook – Kevin Durant netting 63 points between each other. KD had a much better shooting percentage this time out (10 of 15 FG) and, no doubt, he will be the man to watch in the home team in Tuesday’s clash against Warriors, alongside Westbrook. Oklahoma recorded four wins in last five home games, but protecting home court in the tie against the defending champs is easier said than done.
Josh Huestis and Mitch McGary remain on the sidelines, but coach Billy Donovan has no fresh selection worries ahead of Tuesday’s match against Golden State Warriors.
Thunderstorm
Despite being regarded as favourites to reach the NBA play-offs final, Golden State Warriors need to come from behind in order to eliminate Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference final. Steve Kerr’s men defeated Thunder in game 2 (118-91), but they were totally outclassed by Billy Donovan’s charges in the Chesapeake Energy Arena clash on Sunday evening. Key player Stephen Curry has been playing below expectations in the series against Thunder and he will have to be at his sharpest in game 4 if he is to help Warriors get their revenge on Kevin Durant and Co. for the heavy loss. Golden State missed a number of wide open shots in game 3, but it seems as if defence will be the key to their success in the Western Conference final. Warriors need to prevent Oklahoma from scoring more than 100 points in game 4, but it remains to be seen if they are capable of containing in-form duo Westbrook-Durant. It has to be noted that the title holders recorded only two wins in last five away games.
Draymond Green could be suspended for game 4 after kicking Steven Adams below the belt in Sunday’s clash. Coach Steve Kerr has no injury worries ahead of the match.
Interesting Facts
- Oklahoma recorded 11 wins in last 13 home games
- Thunder scored 111+ points in their last three matches at Chesapeake Energy Arena
- Golden State conceded 120+ points in each of their last three away games in NBA
- Steve Kerr’s team recorded their last win at Oklahoma in 2014
- Warriors scored 100+ points in each of their last nine meetings with Oklahoma
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors betting pick
Oklahoma City Thunder hammered Golden State Warriors in game 3, but I do not believe that they are capable of repeating the success. Stephen Curry and his teammates were playing below expectations in the Chesapeake Energy Arena clash, but I believe that the time has come for the NBA champs to prove their worth in the tie against Thunder. Warriors are definitely capable of learning from the mistakes they made in Sunday’s game and, taking everything into account, away win should be considered.
Pick: Golden State to win
Odds: -110
