Where to watch Spurs vs. Thunder: TV channel, live stream, Game 1 prediction

It’s lastly right here. We’ve been ready for the Western Conference Finals since December, when the San Antonio Spurs beat the Oklahoma City Thunder thrice in 12 days and kickstarted what we count on to be the defining NBA rivalry of the last decade. Even on this chaotic league, nothing may avert their collision course. Both made it via the primary two rounds comfortably and at the moment are the primary set of 62-win groups to face off in a playoff sequence because the 1998 NBA Finals.

Now essentially the most anticipated playoff sequence in years can start. Victor Wembanyama will try to attain his first NBA Finals in simply his third NBA season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is defending not solely his championship, however his standing because the two-time MVP with Wembanyama respiration down his neck for the title of “best player in the world.”

Whoever wins this sequence will enter the NBA Finals as heavy favorites, and maybe extra importantly, set up themselves because the league-wide alpha transferring ahead. Two potential dynasties kick off their first postseason conflict tonight. Here’s what you want to know:

Thunder vs. Spurs: Game 1 information

• time: 8:30 pm ET | date: Monday, May 18
• Location: Paycom Center — Oklahoma City
• TV channels: NBC | Live stream:Peacock
• Odds: Thunder -6.5 (by way of FanDuel)

Game 1 prediction

Even when you’re selecting the Thunder to win the sequence, there’s loads to like in regards to the Spurs going into Game 1. Their 4-1 season sequence benefit was decisive, and it means that whereas the Thunder could have solutions for the Spurs obtainable to them, they did not get any of them through the common season. Jalen Williams is taking part in his first recreation since injuring his hamstring within the first spherical, so we do not but know the way he’ll look. Furthermore, it is a fairly important step up by way of depth. Nobody has pressured the Thunder but. The Timberwolves not less than made the Spurs sweat within the final spherical. San Antonio is extra possible to be in combating form, not less than mentally.

So a lot of Oklahoma City’s offense relies on Gilgeous-Alexander’s rim strain. Wembanyama neutralizes a variety of it. The Thunder have potential options, most notably the potential for true five-out lineups, however no person has but solved San Antonio’s alien, and my suspicion is that it takes a number of video games of trial and error to land on a workable reply. The Thunder could win this sequence, however I’m taking the factors and going with the Spurs in Game 1. The Pick: Spurs +6.5