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The Western Conference Final has shifted to San Antonio with the series now tied at one game apiece following the Thunder’s 122-113 win Wednesday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 30 points and Isaiah Hartenstein’s physicality somewhat slowed Victor Wembanyama, but the storyline coming out of Game 2 of this clash of the titans was injuries.
For the Spurs, De’Aaron Fox (ankle) has yet to play in this series and Dylan Harper (abductor) left Game 2 early. For the Thunder, Jalen Williams (hamstring) left Game 2 early as well as he continues the battle that has plagued him all season. The loss of Williams is not to be entirely discounted, but OKC has had nearly a full season to adjust to life without one of their All-Stars. Their depth was on display in Game 2 when they outscored the San Antonio bench 57-25. The loss of Fox for the Spurs has meant their floor general is missing and Harper’s play has been integral in the playoffs specifically in Game 1 of this series. The challenge for the young Spurs is immense even with a healthy roster. It grows exponentially more difficult without those two guards should they be unable to play in Game 3.
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In Game 3, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to get in the lane and draw fouls (not to be confused with contact) will be central to OKC’s attack. The injury issues for San Antonio means more of the burden is heaped on Victor Wembanyama. He of course remains San Antonio’s anchor, posting 21 points, 17 rebounds, and four blocks in Game 2. The true elephant in the room for the Spurs, though, is the turnover. As a team they have 44 turnovers in the first two games. Central to this issue is Stephon Castle. The de facto point guard in the absence of Fox has turned the ball over 20 times.
Game 3 is about who plays and who stays composed under the bright lights of one of the most intense and high-level series the NBA has seen in years.
Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the…
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Publish date : 2026-05-22 13:07:00
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