Thunder and Spurs set for Western Conference Finals showdown
Analysts project a seven-game series as Oklahoma City looks to defend its title against San Antonio
The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are scheduled to begin their 2026 NBA Western Conference Finals series on Monday, marking the most anticipated matchup of the current playoffs. The Thunder, the reigning NBA champions, enter the series as favourites to secure a return to the NBA Finals, carrying an undefeated 8-0 record through two rounds of postseason play.
San Antonio arrives with momentum after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round. The Spurs held a distinct advantage during the regular season, finishing fourth in head-to-head matchups against Oklahoma City with a 4-1 record. This historical performance has fuelled debate among experts regarding whether regular-season success translates to the higher intensity of the playoffs.
A significant narrative surrounding the opening game is the potential presentation of the 2025-26 MVP award. Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Spurs centre Victor Wembanyama are the finalists, with the trophy likely to be awarded prior to the first tip-off. The series also features the anticipated return of Thunder forward Jalen Williams, who missed the previous six games due to a left hamstring strain but is listed as available for Game 1.
Expert predictions from CBS Sports are largely split, with the majority favouring the Thunder in seven games. Analysts cite Oklahoma City’s championship experience, squad depth, and home-court advantage—where they have lost only seven times all season—as decisive factors. One analyst, however, predicts a Spurs victory in seven games, highlighting Victor Wembanyama’s defensive impact and the team’s shooting capability.
SportsLine models project Williams to score over 15.5 points in the opener, with a specific projection of 18.0 points. Despite his absence, the Thunder have dominated, with Ajay Mitchell emerging as a significant contributor. The series is viewed as a critical determinant for the NBA Finals, with the winner expected to enter the championship round as the heavy favourite.
