At first glance, it’s easy to side with Indiana based on Caitlin Clark’s talents alone. However, digging deeper, I see reasons why the Golden State Valkyries should win this matchup straight up Thursday. Indiana comes into this game averaging 83.1 points per game, but the home floor advantage plays heavily into Golden State’s favor. This is Indiana’s lone visit to Chase Center this regular season, and the Valkyries are riding high after cruising to a 97-70 victory over Connecticut on Sunday. In that game, Golden State had 12 players score and forced 18 turnovers from the Sun. Indiana does have Clark, who is questionable with a back ailment but is still probable for Thursday night. She’s averaging 23.8 points and 9.0 assists, so obviously the Fever will need her out there to have success. But Clark dealing with back soreness could be something Golden State attacks, especially on the road against a very physical defense. If the Valkyries force Clark to guard them full court, trap the ball out of her hands, and make other players beat them, they have a chance to pull off the upset. Golden State should also have a better defensive game plan this time around. Indiana defeated Golden State 90-82 on May 22nd as Clark finished with 22 points and nine assists. Now, however, the Valkyries get to host the matchup at Chase Center. Adding to that is the return of Cecilia Zandalasini and the debut of Juste Jocyte, who should provide plenty of energy coming off the bench. All the Valkyries have to do is make this game about their depth and defense. If they force turnovers, dominate during bench minutes, and limit Indiana’stendency for transition threes, Golden State has enough balance to win straight up on the money line. Jim's Play: 604. GS Valkyries (Money Line)

This Western Conference Finals matchup is heading back to San Antonio for Game 6 on Thursday. Despite entering this contest down 3-2 in the series, the Spurs are getting considered slight favorites at home in a must-win situation. Home court advantage, desperation and crowd atmosphere will all play into this game at the Frost Bank Center. Speaking of crowd atmosphere, Wembanyama should be motivated after an inefficient game in Game 5. The French phenom went just 4-For-15 from the floor and finished with 20 points as Oklahoma City cruised to a 127-114 victory. Wembanyama bounced back nicely from a poor Game 3 to dominate Game 4 and help the Spurs dismantle the Thunder, 103-82. San Antonio held OKC to just 33% shooting from the floor and 6-For-33 from three, and that blueprint should carry over into Game 6 at home. San Antonio has the advantage when it comes to health and readiness heading into Game 6. Oklahoma City is still monitoring Jalen Williams and his hamstring injury, and Ajay Mitchell remains out. The Spurs’ Game 6 injury report listed “no injuries,” which is huge late in such a physical playoff series. Over their last three games, the Spurs have only shot 29.5% from downtown. However, San Antonio has every reason to believe those triples will start falling at home. If players like De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie can space the floor for Wembanyama, the Spurs offense should operate much more smoothly than it did in Game 5. Oklahoma City has the opportunity to close out this series on Thursday. It’s never easy to do that in San Antonio, though. If Bruce Brown and Co. can replicate Game 4’s defensive success, limit easy scoring opportunities for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and get more aggression from Wembanyama, the Spurs have a better chance of forcing Game 7 than OKC does at extending the series. I'll be taking the Spurs on the Money line here on Thursday. Jim's Play: 564. Spurs (Money Line)