OKLAHOMA CITY- The top seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, undefeated in the 2026 playoffs and defending NBA champions, will host the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Monday night at Paycom Center.

The series put two of the league’s youngest, most talented rosters against each other in what many are calling the NBA rivalry for the next decade.

The Thunder finished the regular season with a league-best 64-18 record, posting a +11.1 net rating. They swept the Phoenix Suns 4-0 in the first round and the Los Angeles Lakers 4-0 in the conference semifinals, winning by an average of more than 15 points per game in the postseason.

OKC led the league in defensive efficiency and features one of the deepest benches in the playoffs. San Antonio ranks among the top rebounding and blocking teams, anchored by their rim protection

San Antonio went 62-20, the second-best mark in the West. The Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 4-1 and overcame the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-2, with a dominant Game 6 victory to advance.

The Spurs dominated the regular-season matchup, winning 4-1. San Antonio took three of four early meetings, including blowouts, before OKC earned a 119-98 victory in mid-January.

The Thunder enter as clear favorites thanks to home-court advantage, superior depth, elite defense and playoff momentum (8-0). Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring and playmaking, paired with Holmgren’s versatility, give OKC the edge in a high-stakes series. However, Wembanyama’s size, shot-blocking and scoring create matchup nightmares that could swing games.

Many analysts project the Thunder in six or seven games, setting up a potential NBA Finals clash. This series promises highlight-reel plays, physical defense and star-driven basketball. Game 1 tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.