The NBA playoffs resume with Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals this Wednesday — and our NBA betting expert Brandon Anderson has locked in a pair of escalators and mineshafts for the second matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
Continue below for our NBA picks, predictions, and props for Thunder vs Spurs Game 2 on Wednesday, May 20.
NBA Spread & Player Prop Bets for Thunder vs Spurs Game 2
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 8:30 p.m. | |
| 8:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Spurs vs. Thunder Player Prop Mineshaft
Victor Wembanyama has been a massive problem for Chet Holmgren, and Wemby loves making sure it stays that way.
Chet was neutralized inside in Game 1, going 0-of-3 on two-pointers and finishing with just 8 points. He entered the postseason shooting over 70% on two-pointers, but against the Spurs' length, he isn't even attempting them comfortably.
In five matchups against San Antonio this year, he's averaged just 9.4 PPG and scored 10 or less in four of them.
I’m completely fine if he hits a few regression 3s, but the interior floor is gone.
I am taking the under and riding the mineshaft down:
The Base Play: Chet Holmgren Under 14.5 Points (-125)
The Alt Mineshaft Line: Under 10.5 Points (+300 at bet365)
The Combo: Under 14.5 Points + Over 1.5 Made Threes (+800)
The Supernova Escalator: Under 10.5 Points + 2+ Made Threes (+5688 at FanDuel)
Pick: Chet Holmgren Under 14.5 Points + Mineshaft
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Spurs vs. Thunder Spread Escalator
Game 1 has people shook, but I am playing a classic, premium Game 2 bounce-back spot for a home juggernaut.
Historically, home teams down 0-1 in Game 2 cover at a 60% clip since 2003, and home favorites of 7+ points who drop Game 1 are 27-12 ATS (69%), covering by an average of 6.6 points.
We just saw this same script play out with the Spurs and Wolves last round, where Minnesota won Game 2 by 38 points.
San Antonio pushed their starters to the physical limit in a double-overtime battle (all logging 44 to 51 minutes). Having already stolen home court, they will be incentivized to make a business decision and punt Game 2 if it gets away early.
Plus, 14 of OKC's 15 home playoff wins since last year have come by double digits, averaging a 23-point margin of victory. I’m skipping the standard -6.5 line and taking the escalator:
Thunder to Win by 10+ / OKC -9.5: +156 at DraftKings
Thunder to Win by 15+ / OKC -14.5: +259 at DraftKings
Thunder to Win by 25+: +870 at FanDuel
Thunder to Win by 33+: 18-to-1 (+1800) at FanDuel (The absolute highest line I could find)
Pick: Thunder Spread Escalator
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