The San Antonio Spurs (65-12) travel to Golden State to take on the Warriors (69-9) in a matchup that pits the top-ranked offense against the top-ranked defense. The game starts at 10:30 pm ET on Thursday, Apr. 7 and will air on TNT and GS2.
The Warriors lost to the Timberwolves 124-117 on Tuesday. Stephen Curry recorded 21 points and 15 assists, earning his 15th double-double of the year. The Spurs, meanwhile, are coming off an 88-86 win over the Jazz on Tuesday. Kyle Anderson had a good game for San Antonio, recording 11 points, four assists, and three rebounds.
Draymond Green has been playing at a high level recently for the Warriors, averaging 15.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 2.4 steals, 2.4 blocks, and 1.4 three-pointers over the last five games. LaMarcus Aldridge has been on fire for the Spurs. In the same five-game span, he is averaging 21.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength, as the high-octane offense of Golden State (first in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 112.9) takes on the stingy defense of San Antonio (first in the league with a defensive efficiency of 96.6). Also, the Spurs’s third-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 109.5) will face off against the fifth-ranked defense of the Warriors (defensive efficiency of 101.6).
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Spurs had the upper hand in the most recent game, an 87-79 win. Aldridge played a big role with 26 points and 13 rebounds.
The Warriors are hoping to build on their records of 69-9 Straight Up (SU) and 40-35-3 Against The Spread (ATS). They have a solid 8-2 SU record over their last 10 games, but have not fared as well ATS (3-7). Golden State has been struggling as of late. In the last 10 games, Golden State has only averaged 99.8 points per game compared to the 115.3 they’ve averaged on the season. Golden State is one of the most disciplined teams in the league with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.95. Golden State’s defense has been on fire lately, allowing an average of 94.3 points per game, well under their season average of 104.5.
In the other locker room, the Spurs have a record of 43-34 ATS and 65-12 SU. San Antonio managed to go 7-3 SU over the last 10 games, while only going 3-7 ATS during the same amount of time. The Spurs are shooting lights out from the foul line so far, with a .806 free throw percentage that ranks second in the NBA. The Spurs are an unselfish team with an average of 24.7 assists per game, ranking third in the NBA. The Spurs average 92.5 points allowed per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 104.8 points per game during that span.
With the Spurs’ last win against Golden State, their SU record is now 8-2 over the Warriors in the last 10 meetings. Additionally, the Spurs lead the matchup ATS with a record of 7-3.
Predictions: SU Winner – GS
Notes
On average, San Antonio puts up 104.0 points per game (ranked ninth). Golden State ranks 20th in points allowed per game with 104.5.
San Antonio scores an average of 102.2 points per away game (ranked 10th). Golden State ranks 16th in points allowed per home game with 101.8.
When the Warriors give up fewer than 100 points to their opponents, they are 25-1. When the Spurs score fewer than 100 points, they also have a winning record (17-10).
When the Warriors give up 100 or more points, they are 44-8. When the Spurs hit triple digits, they also have a winning record (48-2).
Topping the league in defense, the Spurs have a defensive rating of 96.6. The Warriors have the top-ranked offense with an offensive rating of 112.9.
The Golden State Warriors average 102.1 possessions and 1.129 points per possession in games this season. The San Antonio Spurs average fewer possessions with 94.9, as well as fewer points per possession with 1.095.
The San Antonio Spurs have one of the best effective field goal percentages this season, ranking second in the league with an EFF% of 53.0%. The Golden State Warriors have an exceptional 10-3 record in games where opponents have a similar or higher EFF%.
On average, the Golden State Warriors attempt 31.0 three point field goals per game and the San Antonio Spurs attempt 18.0 per game. In games where they attempt at least 25 three pointers, Golden State has a formidable record of 63-8, while San Antonio has a losing record of 1-2.
Among all teams, San Antonio has the best assist to turnover ratio this season of 1.96. Golden State ranks slightly lower at second with an A/TO of 1.95.
The Golden State Warriors are one of the best rebounding teams in the league, earning 46.2 rebounds per game (ranked fourth). The San Antonio Spurs rank 14th, rebounding 44.0 times each game.
The Golden State Warriors are the NBA’s best defensive rebounding team. The San Antonio Spurs rank 25th in offensive rebounding.
Though San Antonio is one of the best in the league in forcing turnovers with opponents averaging a TOV% of 15.0% (ranked ninth), Golden State has a superb 32-5 record SU when it has a TOV% of 15.0% or greater.
