The Thunder vs. Warriors matchup on November 16 at the Chase Center should tilt the favor to Oklahoma City, with the Dubs missing two key starters in Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
Curry is nursing a sprained knee while Green will be out as he starts serving the five-game suspension handed to him by the league for escalating the skirmish during the Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves games on Tuesday, November 14, NBA.com reported.
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The Thunder will be looking to book its third-straight win against an undermanned Warriors quintet. With Curry and Green out, all eyes will be on Klay Thompson, ironically one of the protagonists in the Warriors vs. Timberwolves tussle.
It will be the second meeting between the Thunder and the Warriors. In their previous meeting on November 10, the Dubs won over the Thunder, 141-139.
Thunder vs. Warriors Odds
The Thunder are picked as 2.5-spread favorites to prevail over the Warriors. The Moneyline is -136 for Oklahoma and +115 for Golden State, per USA Today.
Although the Thunder have been doing well this season, the Warriors cannot be counted out. Head coach Steve Kerr will likely turn to his bench as he tries to provide Thompson and Andrew Wiggins with much-needed help.
Thunder vs Warriors Preview
One thing the Warriors can bank on is that this matchup will happen right on their turf. But with two key stars out, Thompson, Wiggins, and Chris Paul will have to step up big time.
Kevon Looney also needs to do his share as he matches up with Chet Holmgreen up front.
Something that may also motivate the Dubs is that they are on a four-game losing streak. Their last win came on November 6, a 120-108 thrashing of the Detroit Pistons, per ESPN.
Conversely, OKC is hoping to pick up from their emphatic 123-87 win over the San Antonio Spurs. It was a fitting follow-up win after defeating the Suns on November 12, 111-99.
Thunder vs. Warriors pick
While the Thunder has a noticeable advantage, it cannot get complacent against the Warriors, as Kerr and company have made adjustments. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault needs to be on guard as this makes it harder for him to know who among the other players from the Warriors will step up.
The Thunder are expected to rely on Holmgreen and Shai Gilegous-Alexander once more as they aim for win no. 3 against the Warriors.
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