The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the Western Conference Finals as heavy favorites against the San Antonio Spurs thanks to their status as defending champions, an undefeated 8-0 playoff record, and the league’s top-ranked defense. With home-court advantage for the first two games and strong roster depth around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, traders see the Thunder as the team best positioned to advance. The Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama and a young core that posted a 62-20 regular-season mark, bring impressive offensive firepower and recent series momentum after eliminating the Timberwolves, but face the challenge of overcoming OKC’s defensive schemes and rest advantage in a best-of-seven series that tips off Monday.