After the San Antonio Spurs marched into Oklahoma City and wrestled home court advantage away in Game 1, the Thunder responded well in Game 2 to get the split. Then the Thunder carried that momentum into San Antonio and reclaimed home court in Game 3. At the conclusion of that contest, Victor Wembanyama was telling the crowd to “Relax, we got this.”

Well, Spurs fans are far from relaxed. They are in a state of delirium because the Spurs are now two games away from playing in the NBA Finals after the 103-82 beatdown in Game 4. The passion that the Spurs played with, especially on defense, was inspiring. Every time the Thunder tried to make a run, San Antonio took offense and viewed the act as disrespectful, responding with bucket after bucket to stomp any attempt at a comeback into the ground.

Now it’s a best of three series, with two of the three games in Oklahoma City. The Thunder had the best home record during the regular season at 34-7. During this playoff run, Oklahoma City has a 5-1 record at home.

DraftKings Sportsbook lists Oklahoma City as a 5.5-point favorite over San Antonio, with the total set at 215.5 points.

Set your DraftKings fantasy basketball lineups here: NBA Showdown $400K Shootaround [$100K to 1st] (SAS at OKC)

Captain’s Picks

Victor Wembanyama ($19,500 CP): Wembanyama literally stuffs the stat sheet, so the floor is relatively high. But he has the ability to STUFF every statistical category and put up lines that do not look like this earth. The one bugaboo is that Wembanyama sometimes settles, but San Antonio did some things in Game 4 that put him in position to dominate in the paint. At his height and with his wingspan, just throw the ball up over the defenders and Wembanyama will snatch it and dunk it. In the four games this series, Wembanyama has put up 84, 62.2, 41.5 and 60 FPTS. The chances are high that he puts up the most raw points on the slate.

UTIL Plays

Isaiah Joe ($2,800): Joe played 19 minutes in Game 4 and contributed 11 points, five rebounds, two assists, a block and two steals, good for 26.8 FPTS. I expect the Thunder to fly around on defense, so some defensive stats may be there, but it’s mostly about the points. Joe’s ability to space the floor is huge due to how the Spurs swarm Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Now, Joe played 0, 10 and nine minutes in the first three games of the series, but with Ajay Mitchell out, the playing time should be secure.

Jared McCain ($4,200): In Games 2 and 3, McCain played 26 and 27 minutes while producing 29.5 and 31 FPTS. He attempted 14 and 21 shots, so he isn’t shy. In Game 4, though, he played 24 minutes but only finished with 5.5 FPTS, as he shot 1-of-10 from the field. I’m going right back to the well because McCain got a ton of good looks. He just missed. He’s not shy and his ability to put the ball on the floor is huge, especially with Mitchell out. I’m expecting McCain to play much better at home.

De’Aaron Fox ($7,200): Fox only played two games in this series so far due to injury, but performed well in those contests, putting up 33.2 and 38 FPTS. He attempted 13 and 14 shots, dished out 11 assists while grabbing 17 rebounds. His speed, handle package and ability to break down the Thunder defense is huge. He had zero turnovers in Game 4. I’m not expecting a ceiling game, but somewhere in the 30-FPTS range seems viable.

Fades

Chet Holmgren ($8,200): Poor, Chet. Having to be matched up with Wembanyama. It affects him at both ends of the court as he has been relegated to a spot up shooter on offense and hasn’t been able to rack up defensive stats. In four games, Holmgren has a total of three blocks and one steal. He has one game under 20 FPTS while he hasn’t hit the 25 FPTS mark in any contest. He’s too expensive for that kind of production.

The Outcome

The way San Antonio looked in Game 4 had me siding with them for this one, especially the adjustments that were made and the intensity that they played with. But, but, but…the Thunder will likely replicate that energy in this one as they will now be at home, and we’ve seen what a buzzsaw they can be. While most teams would wilt under the pressure and get blown out, San Antonio has the horses to make this a competitive affair, and I’m expecting an epic battle.

Final Score: Thunder 117, Spurs 115