The Golden State Warriors (50-14) welcome the San Antonio Spurs (37-27) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against stifling defense. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Golden State is a 12-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 222 points.
San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors Betting Prediction
The last time the Spurs played, they beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 100-98. Getting to the free throw line was one of San Antonio’s largest advantages. They had 31 free throw attempts, while Memphis had just nine. With 23 points on 10-for-14 shooting, Tony Parker was the game’s leading scorer.
The Warriors were victorious over the Brooklyn Nets in their last matchup, 114-101. Golden State had an effective field goal percentage of 0.633 (above their season average of 0.581). Brooklyn, meanwhile, did an excellent job of making free throws (20-25; 80.0 percent). Stephen Curry was the top scorer from either team with 34 points on 12-for-20 shooting.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the productive offense of Golden State takes on the elite defense of San Antonio. The Warriors rank first in offensive efficiency, while the Spurs are second in defensive efficiency.
San Antonio holds records of 37-27 straight up (SU) and 31-29-4 against the spread (ATS). Of the Spurs’ 64 games, 33 have finished under the total.
Golden State is 50-14 SU, but they have trouble covering the spread (27-34-3 ATS). Contrary to San Antonio, Warriors games have finished over the total 51.6 percent of the time.
The Warriors have emerged victorious in both contests against the Spurs this year, including a 122-105 victory the last time these teams met. Golden State covered as a 10-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 227 points, which was 8.5 points above the projected point total of 218.5 points. The Warriors had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.635 vs. 0.484) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.4 vs. 25.0). Despite the loss, Kyle Anderson had a standout performance with 20 points and six rebounds.
San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Warriors, ATS Winner – Spurs, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
San Antonio is 14-16-3 ATS on the road with 19 unders, 13 overs and 1 push.
Golden State is 13-17-2 ATS at home with 16 overs and 16 unders.
San Antonio is 25-10 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Golden State is 13-2.
The Spurs are 30-9 when they reach 100 points, while the Warriors are 47-10.
Golden State ranks first in fast break points per game (20.7) while San Antonio ranks 23rd (10.0).
The Spurs rank 11th in second chance points per game (12.8) while the Warriors rank 29th in second chance points allowed per game (13.6).
San Antonio ranks 11th in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.5) while Golden State ranks 28th (18.9).
The Warriors rank 12th in three pointers attempted per game (29.7) while the Spurs rank 27th (24.4).
San Antonio ranks 16th in steals allowed per game (7.9) while Golden State ranks 29th (8.9).
The Warriors rank first in assists per game (30.5) while the Spurs rank 14th (22.8).
San Antonio averages 43.4 points in the paint per game, which ranks 18th in the league. Golden State ranks 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (47.0).
The Warriors rank first in blocks per game (7.8) while the Spurs rank fourth (5.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, San Antonio is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Golden State is 2-2-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Spurs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.2, down from 2.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Warriors have scored an average of 114.8 points per game (1.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 100.4 points per game (7.1 below their season average).
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