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If there's any team that can move the ball as well as the San Antonio Spurs, it just may be the Golden State Warriors. Led by Steph Curry, this Warriors team can put up points in a hurry and make teams play from behind. They always play with a ton of energy and urgency, which makes it tough to play against them. They are especially good at home, which is where they will be in this matchup against the defending champions.
NBA expert picks insiders have the Warriors knocking off the Spurs at home just because of the way both teams have been playing recently. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich tends to give some of his players a rest on the road, so that could go a long way in determining who wins this game.
Popovich is a mastermind when it comes to long-term thinking during the season. Not only does he give his aging star players plenty of rest throughout the season, but he also keeps them out of some games against top competition. It's a strategic move because if those two teams meet again in the playoffs, then the opposing team would not have faced the Spurs at full strength. He already used that tactic against the Rockets and could do it again against the Warriors.
One of the reasons why the Spurs have struggled to start the season is because Kawhi Leonard hasn't really gotten things going. The NBA Finals MVP may be putting too much pressure on himself since expectations are high. For this matchup against Golden State, Leonard's best attribute may be his defense. He will be tasked with slowing down some of their shooters to give his offense a chance to take control of the game.
So far every team that has played the Spurs this year has put together one of their best performances of the season. The Warriors will be looking to do the same thing since the defending champions are coming into their house. Big man Klay Thompson and Curry will look to build on their points per game averages, which stand at over 25 points each. It won't be the easiest feat to complete, but no other team has proven that they can be slowed down at this point.
We've seen over the years that Golden State has one of the best home court advantages in the league. The playoff atmosphere is incredible and it is virtually impossible for teams to go in and beat them on their court in the playoffs. The problem has been that they don't win enough games during the season to have home court advantage. They seem to be playing with a heightened sense of urgency to get one of those top seeds in the conference so that they can play more home games. If that happens, this Warriors team could be a legitimate contender. There will possibly be a playoff atmosphere with the Spurs in town so it will give us a good indication of where they stand right now.
Score prediction:
Spurs 104
Warriors 114
Our Pick: The Spurs will set out starters in this back to back game: Take Warriors-7.5
NBA expert picks insiders have the Warriors knocking off the Spurs at home just because of the way both teams have been playing recently. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich tends to give some of his players a rest on the road, so that could go a long way in determining who wins this game.
Popovich is a mastermind when it comes to long-term thinking during the season. Not only does he give his aging star players plenty of rest throughout the season, but he also keeps them out of some games against top competition. It's a strategic move because if those two teams meet again in the playoffs, then the opposing team would not have faced the Spurs at full strength. He already used that tactic against the Rockets and could do it again against the Warriors.
One of the reasons why the Spurs have struggled to start the season is because Kawhi Leonard hasn't really gotten things going. The NBA Finals MVP may be putting too much pressure on himself since expectations are high. For this matchup against Golden State, Leonard's best attribute may be his defense. He will be tasked with slowing down some of their shooters to give his offense a chance to take control of the game.
So far every team that has played the Spurs this year has put together one of their best performances of the season. The Warriors will be looking to do the same thing since the defending champions are coming into their house. Big man Klay Thompson and Curry will look to build on their points per game averages, which stand at over 25 points each. It won't be the easiest feat to complete, but no other team has proven that they can be slowed down at this point.
We've seen over the years that Golden State has one of the best home court advantages in the league. The playoff atmosphere is incredible and it is virtually impossible for teams to go in and beat them on their court in the playoffs. The problem has been that they don't win enough games during the season to have home court advantage. They seem to be playing with a heightened sense of urgency to get one of those top seeds in the conference so that they can play more home games. If that happens, this Warriors team could be a legitimate contender. There will possibly be a playoff atmosphere with the Spurs in town so it will give us a good indication of where they stand right now.
Score prediction:
Spurs 104
Warriors 114
Our Pick: The Spurs will set out starters in this back to back game: Take Warriors-7.5