NBA Playoffs 2016: Wednesday Vegas Odds, Schedule and Predictions

While the Eastern Conference final might be a one-sided affair, the Western Conference is on its way to becoming a memorable series to watch.

After pulling off a shocking defeat of the San Antonio Spurs in Round 2, the Oklahoma City Thunder kept their momentum with a Game 1 victory over the Golden State Warriors. All of a sudden, the team that won 73 games during the regular season is in trouble.

There is obviously a lot of basketball still to be played, but Golden State isn't used to losing at Oracle Arena and now has plenty of pressure heading into Game 2. This should create a whole lot of drama during Wednesday's action.  

Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden State Warriors

When: Wednesday, May 18

Time: 9 p.m. ET

Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, California

TV: TNT

Live Stream: TNT Overtime

Odds (via Odds Shark)

• Spread: Warriors -8.5
• Over/Under: 221.5

Preview

The Thunder just continue to surprise in these playoffs while taking on the best the league has to offer. They have also shown they aren't intimidated by any environment. 

ESPN Stats & Info put the recent stretch in perspective:

Oklahoma City played solid defense, limited turnovers and won the battle on the boards to escape with a Game 1 win and take the early advantage in the series. Meanwhile, perhaps the scariest part is the fact the team didn't even play its best. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant had their stretches of greatness, but they combined to shoot just 17-of-51 from the field.

Westbrook excelled in other ways (12 assists, seven steals) while Durant still had 26 points and made an important basket in the final minute to seal the win, but it's clear this team could be even better.

On the other hand, the same could be said about the Warriors. They made just 36.7 percent of their three-point attempts in Game 1, a significant drop from their league-leading 41.5 percent during the regular season. 

Stephen Curry needed 22 shots to score his 26 points, and his seven turnovers were emblematic of the team's struggles.

This shows there doesn't need to be a massive change in game plan heading into the next meeting. Golden State knows that if it shoots like it can and cuts down on the mistakes, this is still the better team.

Head coach Steve Kerr drew on his own experience to discuss the team's mindset, per Sam Amick of USA Today:

"

We’d prefer to go 16-0 in the playoffs, and win the championship with 30-point games every time. (But) the reality is this is what it’s about. I was part of five championship teams as a player, and it was never easy.

There’s a reason we pour champagne on each other’s heads when we win. It’s hard, and it’s a grind, and this is a great reminder of that.

"

As easy as winning seemed during the regular season, the Warriors will have to show some toughness in order to succeed in the playoffs. Considering what they have done this season as well as last year, there shouldn't be any question about the mentality of the players.

The biggest issue might be the fact the Thunder weren't intimidated by Golden State's smaller lineup. While other teams are forced to adjust, coach Billy Donovan seemed to stick with his big men and instead dominated in the post and on the glass.

This could lead to the Warriors sticking with a more traditional approach in Game 2, although this group is deep enough to succeed in just about any style of play. If Curry and Klay Thompson are hitting their shots, it doesn't really matter what the opponent is doing.

Look for a bounce-back performance from the defending champs as they try to even up the series at 1-1.

Prediction: Warriors 108, Thunder 105

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