The 2026 Western Conference Finals are now a best-of-three after San Antonio answered back in Game 4, setting the stage for a pivotal Spurs vs. Thunder Game 5 showdown in Oklahoma City. With the series tied 2-2, expect stars to log massive minutes, rotations to tighten, and every possession to carry added weight.
For DFS players, that creates an intriguing showdown slate loaded with high-end options like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama, along with several value plays capable of separating your lineup from the field.
In this breakdown, we’ll identify the best Spurs vs. Thunder Game 5 DFS showdown picks, top Captain candidates, value targets, and key strategy notes to help you build winning DraftKings lineups. Let’s build.
Best Spurs vs. Thunder Game 5 Captain Picks
- Wemby ($19.5k)
- SGA ($18k)
- Chet Holmgren ($12.3k)
Ajay Mitchell is OUT and we are still waiting for word on Jalen Williams. He is likely going to be limited even if he does play, but he will be worth monitoring for obvious reasons.
The big one is no J-Dub would lead to extra usage for SGA and Chet. Holmgren has been a total ghost for this entire series, but that simply can’t keep up if OKC is going to advance. With Jalen potentially out, Chet is very interesting as SGA leverage.
Wemby and SGA both look great and we should get to them a ton. I am pretty into the idea of not Captaining them, though, as they’re extremely expensive. Wemby comes in with the top projection and ceiling per our tool, while SGA isn’t far behind.
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Overall, if I am playing a lot of lineups I’d still cram Wemby or SGA in the Captain quite a bit. I’d probably try to play both of them, one way or another. Chet is a solid leverage spend, but may not be totally necessary in the end.
GPP Picks for the Captain Slot in Game 5
- Isaiah Hartenstein ($6.9k)
- Cason Wallace ($7.5k)
- De’Aaron Fox ($10.8k)
- Jared McCain ($6.3k)
Hartenstein popped up in the Captain slot in the top lineup when I ran things this morning. Not sure that sticks, but his size is needed for rebounding and to help contain Wemby. Plus, Ajay and potentially also J-Dub missing would give up some usage.
This is a price thing, though. Hartenstein is pretty cheap for a guy who could have a clear path to 25-30 minutes.
Wallace is very interesting with Ajay Mitchell officially ruled out. Wallace is a viable offensive spark no matter what, as he’s logged 20+ minutes in every game in this series. He should see more burn and more usage, and he’s not egregiously priced for what should be a more involved role.
Fox is a fantastic GPP spend, as most of the CPT ownership will be concentrated on Wemby and Castle from the Spurs. He has played 30+ minutes in both games he’s suited up in this series, and he’s done fine with 33 and 38 fantasy points.
Both games he’s been on a triple-double pace, so he’s super involved and could easily explode for a 50-point fantasy outing if he can get some extra minutes.
McCain is my favorite Captain pick. I’m not sure how contrarian he’ll be, but he is not that expensive for what his role will probably be with Ajay out again. He was not good in his last game, but he smashed the two games prior. In an expanded role, he should return solid value and help me build out a strong lineup with SGA and Wemby in the Flex.
Top Spurs vs. Thunder Value Picks for Game 5
- Jaylin Williams ($5.1k)
- Isaiah Joe ($4.2k)
- Keldon Johnson ($5.7k)
There are honestly no true punts that I like for this slate. The guys above should see the floor and are cheap enough to consider, however.
KJ is the thinnest play, but weirdly may offer the best ceiling. With the Spurs at full strength, he is probably not seeing more than 20 minutes off the bench. That said, he can always explode as a scorer and if he does we’d have him at no ownership.
Jaylin has had a role the past two games and that’d again be the case if Jalen Williams sits this one out. I don’t think he’s some smash, but I do think he’s viable.
Joe is shaky, but Ajay is for sure out and J-Dub also being out could demand some extra minutes to boost OKC’s scoring. Aaron Wiggins would also technically be in play, and it’s worth noting the Thunder have turned to their bench more than San Antonio has in this series.
WCF Game 5 NBA DraftKings Showdown Strategy
History says the game 5 winners takes the series and this game is in OKC. The Thunder get all the calls and are annoying, so my guess is they find a way to win. I don’t think that sways my strategy that much, though, and I think it ends up being a great game.
Wemby and SGA are obvious Captain plays, but my personal strategy will be to pair them in the Flex. They just cost a ton and there’s some really good value that can open up salary. Hartenstein is one, while McCain is my favorite. Wallace is also in play.
If you’d rather go the Spurs route, KJ is an OK punt, while Fox, Castle, and Harper are great leverage on a popular Wemby.
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Playing DFS since the days of DraftStreet, Kevin knows the ins and outs of DFS, specifically for NFL and NBA. He’s also been helping people win in fantasy football leagues for 15+ years and is one of many experts featured at FantasyPros.
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