At some point, the NBA will realize it could charge more for a better product.
The 82-game schedule makes it too logical for the Golden State Warriors to sit their stars in what should be a loss tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In the long run, this loss benefits Golden State.
My Thunder vs. Warriors predictions and NBA picks look past this exasperation and find some value in an early Oklahoma City bet. Tip comes at 10 ET on Friday, January 2.
Thunder vs Warriors prediction
Thunder vs Warriors best bet: Thunder First Half -7.5 (-110 at bet365)
The Golden State Warriors were already nine-point underdogs before announcing they would sit Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green tonight.
Golden State had plenty of reason to assume this would be a loss, and thus it could at least gain some rest and health by waving a preemptive white flag.
Thanks, 82-game NBA schedule.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will probably sit their stars in the fourth quarter, a luxury enjoyed far too often by Oklahoma City. That sparks doubt in any full-game spread considerations.
But how confident are you that Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and De’Anthony Melton can stay within even single digits of the Thunder in the first half?
Golden State is already an immensely flawed team, made evident by Green’s continued theatrics on the sideline.
The Warriors are no longer a contender. Expecting a further-depleted Golden State to stay within any range of the best team in the NBA is nothing but foolish.
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Thunder vs Warriors same-game parlay
A Thunder blowout should feature lazy second-half defense, sparking both an Over and a paper-thin scoring outburst from Brandin Podziemski, the last remaining scorer active for the Warriors tonight.
Thunder vs Warriors SGP
- Oklahoma City Thunder 1H -7.5
- Over 226.5
- Brandin Podziemski Over 14.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Shai isn't Blowout Proof!
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has fallen short of this prop in three of his last four games, two of those moments coming courtesy of blowouts. A blowout should keep his workload below 30 minutes tonight.
Thunder vs Warriors SGP
- Thunder 1H -7.5
- Over 226.5
- Brandin Podziemski Over 14.5 points
- Shai Gilegous-Alexander Under 30.5 points
Thunder vs Warriors odds
- Spread: Thunder -13.5 | Warriors +13.5
- Moneyline: Thunder -650 | Warriors +475
- Over/Under: Over 226.5 | Under 226.5
Thunder vs Warriors betting trend to know
Golden State’s last four games have gone Over their totals. Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Warriors.
How to watch Thunder vs Warriors
| Location | Chase Center, San Francisco, CA |
| Date | Friday, January 2, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Prime |
Thunder vs Warriors latest injuries
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