The San Antonio Spurs will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup Semifinals on December 13, 2025, hoping to pull off another upset after their recent victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Spurs, led by De’Aaron Fox, demonstrated their resilience in the quarterfinals, but they now confront a formidable opponent in the Thunder, who boast an impressive record of 24-1 following their decisive win against the Phoenix Suns.
The Thunder have emerged as a dominant force this season, showcasing their strength in the NBA Cup with a remarkable performance that has only seen them lose once since Jalen Williams returned from injury. On the other hand, the Spurs have shown promising form lately, even without their star center, Victor Wembanyama, who is listed as probable for the upcoming match.
Matchup Overview
San Antonio’s victory over the Lakers came as a surprise, as they were 6.5-point underdogs in that quarterfinal clash. However, the challenge becomes significantly tougher against the Thunder, who are heavily favored in this semifinal matchup. Oklahoma City has consistently outperformed its rivals, winning four consecutive games by margins exceeding 12 points.
According to data from DraftKings Sportsbook, the odds for the matchup are as follows:
– **Spread**: Spurs +9.5 (-118), Thunder -9.5 (-102)
– **Moneyline**: Spurs: +330, Thunder: -425
– **Total Points**: 226.5 (Over -108/Under -112)
The game will take place at the T-Mobile Arena at 9:00 p.m. EST, with the Thunder looking to maintain their status as championship favorites.
Key Players and Injuries
While the Spurs have a young and talented roster, they will need to rely on the leadership of Fox to navigate the challenges posed by the Thunder’s elite defense, which includes standout players like Cason Wallace and Lu Dort. The Spurs’ injury report shows that Wembanyama is likely to return, while several other players, including Riley Minix and David Jones Garcia, remain unavailable.
For the Thunder, their consistent performance has been buoyed by the contributions of key players, and they aim to leverage their depth and defensive prowess against the Spurs’ offense.
Player Prop Bets and Predictions
For bettors, a notable player prop bet is on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to make at least two 3-pointers during the game, priced at -157. Gilgeous-Alexander has been shooting impressively from beyond the arc, hitting 45.4 percent of his attempts this season. Given the Spurs’ struggles guarding the three-point line, this could be a promising wager.
As for the overall outcome, the Thunder have established themselves as the best team in the league, with a net rating of +17.2. While the Spurs have performed well against the spread as underdogs, the overwhelming strength of the Thunder makes it difficult to predict an upset. With Oklahoma City’s recent dominant form, it seems prudent to back them in this crucial contest.
In conclusion, the Spurs have demonstrated their capability to surprise, but they face an uphill battle against the Thunder. As the game approaches, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting semifinal matchup in the NBA Cup.
