NBA Basketball
2012-02-07 - Oklahoma City at Golden State
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Tuesday 7 February 2012 - Tip Off 10:30pm ET
3:30am (British Standard Time)
Preview
At the start of this season, the Oklahoma City Thunder (19-5) were the trendy pick to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals and they have not disappointed so far. They won in Overtime last night in Portland and still have the best record in the Western Conference.
It is no surprise the Thunder have performed as they have considering they are a young team that has grown up together, while having a real superstar in Kevin Durant and another very good player in Russell Westbrook in the starting rotation. There are plenty of other solid players in the rotation and that has made them the team to beat so far.
Durant scored 33 points last night in the win over the Trail Blazers and that does not bode well for the Golden State Warriors (8-13) considering the success he has had against them in the past. Durant averages 32 points per game in this Arena, the most in any opposing Arena in the NBA.
Golden State will still feel they can give the Thunder a run for their money considering they are much more rested and have traditionally been a tough place to come in and win games. Stephen Curry will be good to go, but the Warriors could be looking at another couple of players to play to a high level if they want to win this game.
Dorell Wright is averaging around 7 points more per game over his last 4 games than he has this season and he did score 23 points in the last game against Oklahoma City. Monta Ellis is the leading scorer for Golden State this season with 21 points per game, but he has struggled in his last two games against the Thunder and the Warriors will need him tonight.
Head to Head
Oklahoma City have already won here earlier this season, securing an 11 point win while covering the spread.
Golden State had actually won the previous 4 games against the spread in the series before the last defeat.
These teams are 3-3 here in the last 6 meetings, both straight up and against the spread.
Golden State are 9-12 against the spread this season, Oklahoma City are 13-11.
Other Interesting Trends
Golden State have lost their last 5 games against the spread when set as the home underdog of between 0.5 and 4.5 points.
Oklahoma City are 39-19-1 in their last 59 games against the spread as the road favourite of between 0.5 and 4.5 points.
They are just 2-5 against the spread in their last 7 games when playing the second of back to back nights.
Prediction
I am going to back the Oklahoma City Thunder to win this game and cover the spread for the following reasons:
First, I think the spread is set a little low because the Thunder played in Overtime last night, but I think they are a young team that will not want to drop a game to a Western Conference team that they are capable of beating.
Second, even though they did have to play extra minutes last night, confidence should be high for the Oklahoma City players as they managed to earn another tough win.
Third, the Thunder are more than capable of scoring more than 100 points here and they play just enough Defense to slow down the Warriors and earn the win.
The Pick :
Golden State 103-110 Oklahoma City
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll take the Oklahoma City Thunder - 2.5 Points @ 1.95
