The Oklahoma City Thunder (42-19) and their top-ranked offense visit Golden State (54-5) to take on the Warriors and their fifth-ranked defense. Action begins at 10:30 pm ET on Thursday, Mar. 3 and can be seen on TNT and C+D.
The Warriors enter this game hoping for similar success after topping the Hawks 109-105 on Tuesday. Andrew Bogut was a key piece with 19 points, seven rebounds, and two steals. The Thunder, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 103-98 loss against the Clippers on Wednesday. Oklahoma City still lost despite the best efforts of Kevin Durant, who recorded his 21st double-double of the season with 30 points and 11 rebounds.
Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry have been better than usual over the last five games for the Warriors. During that stretch, Thompson has averaged 25.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.0 steals, and 3.6 three-pointers, while Curry has recorded 39.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.8 steals, and 7.2 three-pointers a game.
It might turn into a shootout as a pair of the NBA’s top offenses match up. Golden State ranks first in the league with 112.7 points per 100 possessions, while Oklahoma City is second in that metric (110.4). Also, the Thunder’s second-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 110.4) will face off against the fifth-ranked defense of the Warriors (defensive efficiency of 100.7).
The Warriors have emerged victorious in both games against the Thunder this year, escaping with a narrow 121-118 victory the last time these teams met. Stephen Curry was the game’s top overall scorer with 46 points.
The Warriors come into this game 54-5 Straight Up (SU) and 31-25-3 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 54-5 SU and 31-25-3 ATS against the Western Conference. The Warriors have no trouble scoring as they lead the league in offense with 115.3 points per game. The Warriors lead the NBA in three-point field goals, making 760 from beyond the arc (12.0 per game). Golden State is the best passing team in the league with an average of 29.1 assists per game. Golden State’s three-point defense can be considered one of the best in the league, allowing just 7.0 three-pointers per game.
In the other locker room, the Thunder have 42-19 SU and 24-35-2 ATS records. Despite having a winning record against the Western Conference, Oklahoma City is unsuccessful ATS in those games with a record of 9-19. Offensively, they average 110.1 points per game, which is good for second in the league. The Thunder average 103.0 points allowed per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 111.2 points per game during that span.
Golden State beat Oklahoma City in their most recent meeting this season, bumping its SU record to 6-4 over the Thunder in their last 10 meetings. The Thunder lead the matchup ATS with a record of 5-4-1.
Predictions: SU Winner – GS
Notes
Oklahoma City allows 106.5 points on the road this season. Topping the league in home scoring, Golden State scores 114.3 points on its own court.
Golden State has a perfect 20-0 record when opponents score fewer than 100 points. The Thunder do not fare well when they score under 100, earning a 3-9 record in such games.
When the Warriors give up 100 or more points, they are 34-5. When the Thunder hit triple digits, they also have a winning record (39-10).
The Warriors have the league’s top offensive rating (112.7). The Thunder have a defensive rating of 103.3 (ranked 13th).
The Golden State Warriors average 102.3 possessions and 1.127 points per possession in games this season. The Oklahoma City Thunder average fewer possessions with 99.7, as well as fewer points per possession with 1.104.
Oklahoma City has an average effective field goal percentage of 52.3%, ranked third in the league. Golden State is a formidable 9-2 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
Among all teams, Golden State is best in the league in assists, registering an average of 29.1 per game. Oklahoma City ranks slightly lower in total assists, at 10th (22.7 per game).
Oklahoma City is at the top of the NBA when it comes to rebounding with 47.9 per game. On the other side, Golden State also earns a lot of rebounds, with a rank of third (46.4 per game).
Golden State ranks among the best in the league in defensive rebounding at second, while Oklahoma City is one of the top teams in offensive rebounding (ranked first).
On average, the Warriors force a turnover rate of 13.9%. When the Thunder turn over the ball at a similar or higher rate, the team has a winning 27-11 record.
