Spurs seek series lead as Thunder navigate injury absence in Western Conference Finals
Victor Wembanyama’s record-breaking debut sets stage for Game 2, while De'Aaron Fox’s ankle sprain complicates Thunder’s defensive plans.
The San Antonio Spurs prepare to host the Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals at the Paycom Center, aiming to capitalise on the momentum from a historic 122-115 double-overtime victory in the opening contest. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET, with the Spurs looking to build on a performance that saw Victor Wembanyama record 41 points and 24 rebounds, setting a new benchmark for conference finals debuts.
The Spurs’ young core has established a significant statistical milestone, becoming only the second team in NBA history to feature three players aged 22 or younger scoring 175 or more points in a single postseason. Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper have all surpassed the 175-point mark in the 2026 playoffs, joining the 2010-11 Oklahoma City Thunder, who achieved the feat with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden.
Oklahoma City enters the game with a notable roster adjustment, as De'Aaron Fox is expected to miss the contest due to a right high ankle sprain. Fox is anticipated to miss his second consecutive game, a significant blow to a Thunder squad that entered the series undefeated in the first two rounds. The absence of Fox shifts the offensive burden, particularly given that outside of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, the Oklahoma City starters combined for just 15 points in Game 1.
Despite the scoring drought from the supporting cast, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander appears more focused than in previous rounds, while Wembanyama remains energised following his franchise-record performance. The Spurs also benefited from a significant spark off the bench in Game 1, with Alex Caruso contributing 31 points in 32 minutes. San Antonio has not won a playoff series since 1983, a drought spanning 10,170 days, adding historical weight to their current position.
Betting markets from FanDuel Sportsbook list the Thunder as 7.5-point favourites for Game 2, with an over/under set at 216.5 points. SportsLine expert Mike Barner predicts a shift in tempo, anticipating a more defensive battle compared to the high-scoring opener. As both teams take the floor for warm-ups, the focus remains on whether Oklahoma City can adjust to the Spurs’ youthful depth and Wembanyama’s dominance without Fox’s playmaking.
