Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Predictions, Starting Lineups (12/8/23)
The Golden State Warriors (10-11) meet the Oklahoma City Thunder (13-7) for the fourth and final time this Friday (12/8/23). Get Warriors vs. Thunder moneyline and spread odds, as well as predictions, starting lineups, injuries, and key matchups below.
Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction
Oklahoma City boasts a stout defense, but one of their biggest issues revolves around overhelping on drivers. Opponents subsequently kick it out and achieve excellent looks from deep. As a result, the Thunder are allowing the eighth most open plus wide open three-point attempts per 100 possessions, the most corner attempts per 100 possessions, and the second largest spot up frequency (via NBA.com).
Enter the Warriors, who boast the fourth largest three-point attempt rate. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson remain elite snipers that can get red-hot from deep, while Draymond Green currently owns a 44.7 3PT% on nearly three attempts per game. This Warriors offense leads the NBA in catch-and-shoot three-point frequency, so they could hit two threes in the allotted time by themselves.
Meanwhile, Golden State’s defense is surrendering the 12th most open plus wide open three-point attempts per 100 possessions. Oklahoma City only ranks 18th in three-point attempt rate, but they counter the low volume with absurd efficiency. The Thunder currently pace the NBA with a 39.6 3PT% because collapsing defenders are so focused on stopping their drivers and cutters. Oklahoma City likely won’t match Golden State’s volume, but they possess the shooters to knock down their attempts.
Overall, both franchises rank top eight in first quarter three-point percentage. We need two made threes by the time the game clock strikes 8:59 in the first quarter. Given the teams involved, it’s extremely feasible that this feat occurs.
Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction: 2 or more 3 Point FGs Made in the First 3 Minutes (-115 FD)
Contents
Best NBA Betting Promo Codes
Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Best Odds
The Thunder are 2-1 versus the Warriors this season, and Oklahoma City enters this contest favored by three points. For Golden State’s +130 moneyline to hold a positive expected value, they need to win here about 43.5 percent of the time. Otherwise, it’s a losing bet in the long run. It’s worth noting that Oklahoma City easily leads the NBA against the spread since October 2021.
Golden State Warriors Starting Lineup
PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Andrew Wiggins
PF: Draymond Green
C: Kevon Looney
Oklahoma City Thunder Starting Lineup
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG: Lu Dort
SF: Josh Giddey
PF: Jalen Williams
C: Chet Holmgren
Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Injuries
Warriors guard Gary Payton II (5.9 PPG) is the only player listed on the injury report for either team. His defensive contributions will be missed by Golden State.
Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Key Matchups
Klay Thompson Shooting
Stephen Curry leads the league at 11.8 three-point attempts per game, and he’s shooting a monstrous 42.9 3PT%. In other words, there is no concern about Curry’s chances here. However, Klay Thompson is shooting a career low 34.8 3PT%. He is one of the more streaky shooters in the NBA at the moment, so his volatility could swing this prop by himself. If the veteran sharpshooter finds his groove, then the outlook is excellent.
