Spurs vs. Thunder West Finals Game 1: NBA Game Picks & Betting Odds

After ripping their way through the first two rounds with a pair of sweeps, the Oklahoma City Thunder will take on their first real challenge of the postseason here against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. The NBA schedule-makers wasted no time as the series gets going right away on Victoria Day evening on Monday.

Will the Thunder win a ninth straight game to start this postseason, or will the Spurs swipe home court advantage here in Game 1? Read on for our betting predictions, picks, and NBA betting odds for Game 1 at the Paycom Center!

NBA Western Conference Finals: San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder - Game Picks & Betting Odds - May 18

All odds provided by Betway.

Series Schedule:

• Game 1 - SAS @ OKC, May 18, 8:30PM
  
• Game 2 - SAS @ OKC, May 20, 8:30PM
  
• Game 3 - OKC @ SAS, May 22, 8:30PM
  
• Game 4 - OKC @ SAS, May 24, 8PM
  
• Game 5 - SAS @ OKC, May 26, 8:30PM
  
• Game 6 - OKC @ SAS, May 28, 8:30PM
  
• Game 7 - SAS @ OKC, May 30, 8:30PM

Spurs vs. Thunder Game 1 - Game Prediction

We expect the Thunder to win this series, but we think it’s going to be a competitive, back and forth affair. We could definitely see the Spurs surprising the Thunder by stealing Game 1, though we’re not sure we’re confident enough to actually bet on that result. Or the other way if we’re being honest.

That’s why Game 1 in OKC is going to be about the point total for us. The Thunder and Spurs are ranked first and third in playoff scoring and fifth and third in regular season scoring. They both play good defense, but in five games this season they all went for 217+ points.

The Thunder have seen six of their eight playoff games hit 220+ points, and five of San Antonio’s six games against the stingy Timberwolves defense last round also went way over that total. We’re going to buy a couple of points down here but we feel pretty confident about this one.

Best Bet: Alternative Game Total Points Over 217.5 (-110)

Spurs vs. Thunder Game 1 - Player Prop Best Bets

From the 2024 playoffs through the first round of the 2026 postseason, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30+ points in 24 of 37 games. He’s more likely to hit that threshold than not. However, he didn’t do it for the first three games of OKC’s series against the Lakers, which raised alarm bells. SGA was back to his MVP level in the Game 4 clincher, though, putting up 35 points. He should continue the trend in Game 1.

One of the unsung heroes of these playoffs has been Julian Champagnie for the Spurs. He hit a career-high 2.4 triples per game during the regular season, and he has improved on that in the playoffs. He is averaging 2.5 triples per game on a whopping 45 percent from the field and has nailed at least two three-pointers in 10 of 11 playoff games during this run.

The Thunder have also allowed 12.0 triples per game in the playoffs, which is the fifth-most in the postseason and second-most among teams that made it to the second round. OKC is good at a lot of things, but defending the three-point line hasn’t necessarily been one of them during OKC’s undefeated playoff run.

Best Bet

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander To Score 30+ Points (-105)
  
• Julian Champagnie To Record 2+ Three-Pointers (-200)