Warriors are a Good Bet to Beat Thunder in NBA In-Season Tournament

Golden State Stays Hot

After an opening-game loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Warriors have won their last four games, three of which were on the road. That success has been crucial to this start with the Warriors playing their first seven of nine games away from home. On top of that, given Golden State’s struggles on the road last season (11-30), this success is a welcomed sight.

On the road, the Warriors have been perfect, averaging 119.3 points per game while allowing 103.7. That has led to their 3-0 record while covering the NBA spread in each game. This could be the start of a very good season for Golden State if this continues.

The defensive side of the ball is where the Warriors have flourished, with the fifth-best defensive rating in the league. That is with Draymond Green only playing in three games. It is a much-needed boost compared to last season, when the Warriors were in the bottom half of defensive rating.

KLAY THOMPSON GAME WINNER. 🔥🔥

pic.twitter.com/J0HGfMIEjI

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 2, 2023

Furthermore, the offense with Stephen Curry leading the way is always in good hands. He averages 31 points per game, shooting 45.6% from 3 on 12.2 attempts. Thompson has been reliable and Chris Paul is figuring out his role coming off the bench. He only had two points in the win over the Kings but had eight assists, with Jonathan Kuminga and Dario Šarić combining to score 15. Golden State feels like a complete team that NBA lines will get behind quickly.

Oklahoma City Might Have Been Exposed

There was a lot of excitement around the Thunder in NBA predictions and rightfully so. They made the Play-In Tournament last season, which no one expected, and are a very young team. The club seems built for the modern NBA, with skilled, lengthy, positionless players.

However, in the game against the Pelicans, the youth, lack of experience, and being without a bruiser in the paint seemed to lead to the loss. The Thunder dominated the first quarter, jumping out to a 33-14 lead getting into the transition possessions easily off the Pelicans misses.

Eventually, some of the Pelicans’ shots started to go in. That led to the game slowing down, and the Thunder suffered. Oklahoma City shot 20.6% from 3, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missing a last shot attempt to win the game. On top of that, the Thunder got dominated on the boards. The Pelicans won the rebounding battle 58 to 49, and had 16 more offensive rebounds.

The Thunder’s constant driving, spacing and speed can be great for NBA betting, but the downside is a team can expose that. The Pelicans controlled the glass, and the Thunder could not make shots or take advantage of their speed on the fast break. Aggressively crashing the boards could be the key to beating the Thunder all season.

Golden State vs Oklahoma City Best Bet

Given that the Pelicans just exposed the Thunder’s weakness, there is a chance that the Warriors are quick to capitalize. Kevon Looney is one of the top rebounders in the league, and he will try to bruise Chet Holmgren in the paint. Furthermore, Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s leading scorer, will miss the game with an ankle injury he suffered against the Pelicans

Finally, for NBA prop bets, Curry could be in for a big night. The Thunder struggled to defend the three in the last game, but the Pelicans could not take advantage. Curry will undoubtedly be ready to take and knock down 3s.

NBA Best Bet: Warriors -5½

Warriors vs Thunder Betting Lines

Warriors vs Thunder Game Information

• Game: Warriors (4-1) at Thunder (3-2)
• Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
• Date/Time: Nov. 3, 8 p.m. ET
• Warriors vs Thunder Live Stream: NBA Game Pass

Questions Of The Day