The Golden State Warriors rolled to a pair of easy wins in the first to games of their Western Conference quarterfinal series against the San Antonio Spurs, taking Game One by a 113-92 score and then following that up on Monday night with a 116-101 win. During the regular season, Golden State won three of four, although the Spurs won the last meeting that took place in San Antonio, shutting down the high-flying Golden State offense in an 89-75 snoozefest. An additional factor off the court came when San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich’s wife passed away between Games Two and Three, which could cause Popovich to miss the contest. Take a look at our NBA odds preview for this Western Conference playoff clash.
2018 Playoffs & Game 3 NBA Odds: Warriors vs. Spurs
When: Thursday, April 19, 2018, 9:30pm ETWhere: AT&T Center, San AntonioTV: TNTRadio: WGMZ 95.7 FM Oakland / WOAI 1200 AM San AntonioLive Stream: CBSSports.comNBA Odds: Golden State -4.5, O/U 207
Why should you bet on the Warriors?
It looked like the Warriors might be in some trouble in Game Two against San Antonio, as the first half saw Golden State struggling to make their shots, but they took control after the intermission, taking the lead near the four-minute mark of the third quarter during an 8-0 run, and the Spurs would never get close than three points the rest of the way. For the night, Golden State shot 52.6 percent from the field and were almost that good from downtown, knocking down 15 of 31 shots from three-point land. The 15 turnovers they committed will need to go down, but they overcame those mistakes to win.
Kevin Durant led the way in Game Three, putting up 32 points, six assists and six rebounds. Klay Thompson almost matched him, scoring 31 points, and Andre Iguodala (14 points, seven boards, five assists), Javale McGee (10 points and seven boards) and David West (10 points) also found double figures for Golden State. Given that the team is still missing Stephen Curry, the Warriors are doing a solid job of finding offensive balance and frustrating a Spurs team that has thrown every scheme at them that they can think of.
Why should you put your money on the Spurs?
The Spurs’ strategy worked in the first half of Game Two, as they went into the locker room with a 53-47 lead at the intermission. However, they would not lead after a 67-66 advantage late in the third period. However, Golden State went on a 50-34 run the rest of the way and rolled to the win. The problem for San Antonio, especially in the second half, was a poor shooting percentage (41.2%), particularly from downtown (4 for 28 from behind the arc). Their ball security was a strength, as they only had nine turnovers, and they were terrific from the free throw line, sinking 27 of their 30 attempts from the charity stripe. LaMarcus Aldridge led the way with 34 points and 12 boards. Patty Mills (21 points), Pau Gasol (12), Rudy Gay (12) and the ageless Manu Ginobili (10) were the Spurs to hit double figures.
So if you like the Spurs, you think that they’ll do a better job of shooting from downtown on their home floor, and you think that their defensive look that worked for a time in Game Two will pay more dividends in Game Three. Whether Popovich is on the bench to coach or not, the sentimental factor could play a role too.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
With Kawhi Leonard still rehabbing in New York, the Spurs just don’t have enough talent on the floor to keep up with Golden State. Playing on their home floor in front of an enthusiastic crowd will help, but I see Golden State winning this, 121-116.
