Got this Friday morning at -4.5, now at 5.5 due to Ibaka's injury. If you don't like the 5.5, take the 1st half play at -3.
Spurs -4.5
Spurs -3 (1H). San Antonio might still have their hands full with OKC in this series if the past is any indicator. The Spurs, though, are in playoff mode. They are better prepared team for the start of a series like this, and at home. OKC just won an emotional, hard fought 7 game series with LA. OKC, like Miami, can play somewhat complacent even though it's the playoffs. It seems they both play better with their backs against the wall, although Miami has weaker opponents to get "up" for. I can see OKC coming out a little flat, while SA plays lights out in the first half, and possibly the whole game.
Ibaka was the best big man on OKC, and without him, there will be some adjustments- none of which are to their advantage. Perkins gets early foul trouble. Perry Jones looks lost defensively. SA really controls the inside and this causes Westbroook to force shots and force passes. I think Pops will defend OKC with that in mind. Even Durant can get shot-happy, and unless he's very hot shooting from ridiculous spots, OKC will suffer. Mostly though I think SA will attack the Thunder's D relentlessly. With Ibaka that can be difficult. Without him, I think SA will run often, sub freely, and force OKC to rest their best players.
After all, it's only game 1, and OKC might not wake up until game #2. I could be wrong, and certainly have been in the past, but I like SA to come out strong early, while OKC takes a little time to warm up.
Parker is day to day, but is likely fine by Monday's game.
Spurs -4.5
Spurs -3 (1H). San Antonio might still have their hands full with OKC in this series if the past is any indicator. The Spurs, though, are in playoff mode. They are better prepared team for the start of a series like this, and at home. OKC just won an emotional, hard fought 7 game series with LA. OKC, like Miami, can play somewhat complacent even though it's the playoffs. It seems they both play better with their backs against the wall, although Miami has weaker opponents to get "up" for. I can see OKC coming out a little flat, while SA plays lights out in the first half, and possibly the whole game.
Ibaka was the best big man on OKC, and without him, there will be some adjustments- none of which are to their advantage. Perkins gets early foul trouble. Perry Jones looks lost defensively. SA really controls the inside and this causes Westbroook to force shots and force passes. I think Pops will defend OKC with that in mind. Even Durant can get shot-happy, and unless he's very hot shooting from ridiculous spots, OKC will suffer. Mostly though I think SA will attack the Thunder's D relentlessly. With Ibaka that can be difficult. Without him, I think SA will run often, sub freely, and force OKC to rest their best players.
After all, it's only game 1, and OKC might not wake up until game #2. I could be wrong, and certainly have been in the past, but I like SA to come out strong early, while OKC takes a little time to warm up.
Parker is day to day, but is likely fine by Monday's game.
