Full Breakdown
Western Conference Finals Game 4: Thunder vs. Spurs Preview
5/25/2026, 12:28:15 AM
Game 4 Overview
The Oklahoma City Thunder travel to the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio on Sunday, May 24, 2026, for tip-off at 8 p.m. ET. The Thunder hold a 2-1 series lead in the Western Conference Finals.
Series Background & Context
During the regular season the Spurs won the Southwest Division (62-20) while the Thunder captured the Northwest Division (64-18). The two teams split their regular-season meetings 4-1 in favor of San Antonio, and the all-time postseason series stands 20-17 for the Spurs. Game 1 was a double-overtime win for San Antonio; the Thunder claimed Games 2 and 3, the latter by a 123-108 margin.
Key Players & Injury Updates
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) posted 26 points and 12 assists in Game 3. Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) led San Antonio with 26 points but recorded only four rebounds. Jared McCain (Thunder) contributed 24 points off the bench. Oklahoma City reports Ajay Mitchell (right soleus strain) out and Jalen Williams (left hamstring soreness) questionable. The Spurs list no injuries.
Statistical Snapshot
Game 3 produced a combined 231 points, the lowest total of the series so far. The Thunder’s bench outscored the Spurs’ bench 76-23. Across the first three games the total points averaged 234.3, and the over/under line for Game 4 is set at 219.5 (FanDuel) or 218.5 (BetMGM). Oklahoma City shoots 59.4 % from two-point range and 41.6 % from three; San Antonio’s offensive efficiency is 44 % on twos and 33.9 % on threes.
Official Odds, Broadcast & Injury Statements
Current sportsbook lines list the Spurs as 2.5-point favorites (FanDuel) with a moneyline of –140; the Thunder sit at +119 (FanDuel) and +115 (BetMGM). The game will air on NBC and stream on Peacock. The Oklahoman’s injury bulletin confirms Mitchell out, Williams questionable, and no Spurs injuries.
Criticism & Opposition
Local commentary notes persistent criticism of Gilgeous-Alexander’s play, with one analyst observing that such criticism “does nothing” to his performance. Spurs’ shooting struggles are highlighted, as the team shot 44 % on two-point attempts in Game 3.
On-the-Ground Reports from Game 3
The Thunder erased a 15-0 early deficit, ultimately winning 123-108. Bench players Jared McCain (24 points), Alex Caruso (15), and Jaylin Williams (18) combined for 76 points, while the Spurs’ bench managed 23. Wembanyama’s rebounding was limited to four boards, a postseason low.
Conflicting Projections & Data Gaps
Expert Mike Barner (SportsLine) predicts the total will exceed the over/under, stating, “The over is the way to go for Game 4.” By contrast, the SportsLine Projection Model forecasts the under, with the under hitting in 51 % of simulations. Spread listings differ slightly: most sources list Spurs –2.5, while one source cites a 1.5-point Spurs advantage. Total-points lines also vary between 219.5 and 218.5.
Impact on Series Momentum
A Spurs victory would tie the series and prevent Oklahoma City from moving within one win of a back-to-back championship. Conversely, a Thunder win would place them two games from the NBA Finals and increase pressure on San Antonio to avoid a 3-1 deficit.
What’s Next
Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, at 8:30 p.m. ET in Oklahoma City. The outcome of Game 4 will shape home-court advantage and strategic adjustments for the remainder of the series.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Even with the Spurs struggling to make shots, these two teams combined for 231 points in Game 3. That's the fewest points scored for any of the three games of this series,” — Mike Barner, SportsLine analyst
- “As good as both teams can be on the defensive end, they are also loaded with great scoring threats. They can also create points off steals. The over is the way to go for Game 4.” — Mike Barner, SportsLine analyst
- “First of all, McCain had the unlimited green light Friday and I'm literally betting on him getting less usage despite OKC missing two rotation players.” — Fox Outkick contributor (unnamed)
