Golden State Warriors at Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview - March 16

Written by:
Don Shapiro
Published on:
Mar/16/2019

After a nail-biting win in Houston that came down to the final seconds, the Warriors head to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder.

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This will be the final game in the three-game season series; both of the previous games were at Oracle Arena, and each team won one game apiece. Now, the Warriors make their lone visit to Oklahoma City to face-off against the team currently tied for third in the Western Conference. The Dubs will look to keep up the momentum in Saturday’s primetime showdown against a well-rounded Thunder squad. The Warriors are at +1.5 facing the Thunder on Saturday.

Thunder With Talent

The Thunder are led by the duo of Russell Westbrook and Paul George. A two-time scoring champion and former MVP, Westbrook is averaging a triple-double per game with 23.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 10.5 assists per game. George, a six-time All-Star, is averaging a career-highs in points (28.2), rebounds (8.2), and assists (4.2). The Dubs will need to contain the two of them to keep the Thunder, currently ranked fourth in points-per-game at just over 115 per game, in check. Besides being a high-scoring team though, Oklahoma City is also fourth in the league in defensive rating. The team is well-rounded on both sides of the ball and will make the Warriors work to earn a win.

Warriors Looking for Another Title

The Golden State Warriors just continue to impress, and continue to keep the pressure on down the stretch for these Western conference teams.  They simply are not letting up on that gas pedal.  Boogie Cousins showed he is well on his way to being back and better than ever.  His presence continues to be felt at the rim and the unique availability for a big man in that system will continue to showcase big time box scores.  Getting lane penetration frees up their outstanding shooters in Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson and vice versa.  Their offense can hurt their opponent in so many ways.  They create a true mismatch at all positions because they have play makers that normally would be the number one priority to stop, except they have those players at all starting five positions.  They also have immense versatility with players like Demarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green.  Each of those players can play multiple positions and with great success.

Warriors Edge Thunder

Earlier this week, Kevon Looney became the all-time leader in Offensive Rating for the Warriors. Additionally, his plus-minus rating of 3.09 not only leads the Warriors’ bench, but also ranks third on the team behind Curry and Kevin Durant. These signify what Looney he has brought to the Warriors when his number has been called this season: hustle and efficiency.  Due to their successes and their depth, it is very difficult for me to go against my gut.  My gut is telling me to lean to the Golden State Warriors.  Both teams are good, both teams have superstars, and both teams have players capable of taking over a game, but unfortunately for the home team Thunder, the Warriors have more of both.  I’ll take the Warriors to defeat the Thunder by a score of 115 - 109.

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