Spurs at Thunder West Final Game 1 Preview

NBA.com lists San Antonio at Oklahoma City for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, Monday at 8:30 ET on NBC and Peacock. Oklahoma City swept the Lakers in the second round and brings a 121.3 point series-average profile into the matchup, while San Antonio advanced after beating Minnesota in six.

The top tactical question is how Oklahoma City defends Victor Wembanyama without compromising its help principles. NBA.com's series page lists Wembanyama at 20.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists in playoff series averages, which means the Thunder cannot treat him only as a scorer.

San Antonio have to handle Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's pressure without fouling. NBA.com lists SGA at 29.1 points and 7.1 assists in the series-leader module, and early market screens have Oklahoma City around a 6.5-point favorite. That number says respect for San Antonio, but still a clear home-court and rest premium for the Thunder.