The Golden State Warriors lost Sunday in Stephen Curry’s return, which also snapped their five-game winning streak. But going by the NBA lines, Golden State should bounce back against the Thunder. Golden State is 8-1-1 against the spread (ATS) in its last 10 games against the Thunder, including winning four of its last five in OKC.
Warriors Re-Heating Curry
The Warriors are a more dangerous team with Curry. That much is sure. But how good will Curry be in just his second game back? The reigning Finals MVP was lukewarm in his return against the Lakers. He scored 27 points but shot just 40% from the field. It rarely happens, but GS is just 1-6 when Curry’s shooting is 40% or worse.
But against the Thunder, Curry can heat up. The two-time MVP tends to have heroic efforts playing Oklahoma City. He torched the Thunder for 38 points and 12 assists while hitting 8-of-14 3s the last time he visited the team. Golden State is worth betting on online just for Curry alone.
“Curry, way downtown. Bang! Bang!”
7 years ago today, Steph Curry did this to the Thunder:46 PTS
14/24 FG
12/16 3PT
1 38-FOOT GAME WINNER pic.twitter.com/wcHwliaGC5— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 27, 2023
Golden State will also have to play better on the road. The team has improved but is still just 7-24 (9-22 ATS) as a visitor with an awful 118.7 defensive rating (third-worst). It will be a more reliable team for NBA picks if it can shore up the ‘D’ to go with Curry’s hot shooting.
Thunder Struggle Against Good Teams
For the most part, the Thunder are no longer a pushover rebuilding team. Sitting just four games under .500, OKC has a legitimate shot at qualifying for the playoffs via the play-ins. But to do that, the team will have to start beating the good teams ahead of them in the standings.
Oklahoma City is just 13-24 against teams above .500. It has not beaten one since it hosted Cleveland back on Jan. 27. Since then, most of their wins have come against the likes of Portland and Houston. Beating Utah is laudable, but Utah is in the same boat as it is.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keeps making NBA news with his unbelievable play. The 24-year-old is putting up 31.1 points on 50.8% shooting. He’s failed to hit the 20-point mark just three times this season (OKC lost all three games). Combined with the team’s strong bench play (leads benches in plus-minus), OKC has exceeded expectations and leads the league with a 60.7 cover rate (37-24-3) on the sportsbook.
Warriors vs Thunder Game Injuries
Warriors vs Thunder Head-to-Head
Games between Golden State and Oklahoma City tend to be lower scoring: 14 of their last 20 games have gone under the total. In a similar fashion, Golden State’s last seven games have as well.
Warriors vs Thunder Game Information
- Game: Warriors (34-31) vs Thunder (30-34)
- Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
- Day/Time: Tuesday, March 7, 8:00 p.m. ET
- Warriors vs Thunder Live stream: NBA Game Pass
Warriors vs Thunder Betting Lines
Warriors vs Thunder Picks and Prediction
Every dog has its day. This time, the Thunder will finally stick it to the Warriors. Golden State may dominate the NBA scores and odds against Oklahoma City, but not this Tuesday. The Thunder have been playing better overall basketball, while Golden State still struggles on the road – six straight losses.
The Golden State Warriors are listed at -190 in our Vegas NBA lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Warriors, you have a chance to win $53. The Oklahoma City Thunder are +163, offering a chance to win $163 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives the Warriors a 65.52% chance to win, with the Thunder at 38.02%
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
Warriors vs Thunder Trends
Warriors vs Thunder Edge
Warriors vs Thunder Results
Warriors vs Thunder Game Summary
Thunder vs Warriors Previous Game (Feb. 06, 2023)
The Western Conference standings drastically shift nearly every day. Only three games separate the No. 6 seed and No. 12 seed. The Oklahoma City Thunder (25-27) and the Golden State Warriors (27-26) are two teams that are a part of the tight playoff race. The Thunder will visit the Warriors on Monday night in a key matchup.
Both teams are 1-2 against the spread (ATS) over the last three games, and both come off wins which snapped two-game losing streaks. Which squad will continue to build momentum with another win?
The Warriors have been one of the NBA’s best home teams with a 20-6 record. However, Golden State is 1-6 ATS in its last seven home games, and the Thunder are 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven away games.
Of course, Curry’s absence is a big deal, especially after averaging 32.8 points in his last five full-game appearances. The Thunder could have the upper hand in the backcourt, as Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey have played well. Oklahoma City scored 120 points in the last matchup. With Curry out, look for the Thunder to cover on the road.
