NBA Prediction: Will the Warriors cover vs. the Spurs in Game 1? 5/14/17
The San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors open up the Western Conference Finals today at 3:30PM ET. Will the Warriors roll? Here’s our NBA Prediction for Sunday’s Game 1
GAME 1 ODDS
According to oddsmakers, the Warriors are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -10 points against the Spurs. The over/under total for the game is listed at 211.5 points. These two met three times during the season. The Spurs won and covered the spread in two of the three meetings.
THE WARRIORS
Golden State has rolled in the playoffs thus far, going a perfect 8-0 with sweeps of the Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz in the process. They are 5-3 against the spread in the postseason, with the three failed covers all coming at home. Golden State is now 75-15 overall, 40-5 at home and 45-42-3 against the spread. They now average 115.8 points per game on offense while allowing 103.8 on defense.
Stephen Curry is leading the team in the playoffs with 27.1 points and 6 assists per game. Kevin Durant is adding 23.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per contest.
THE SPURS
The Spurs have had a grind in the playoffs, going six games with the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round and six games with the Houston Rockets in the second round. San Antonio is now 69-25 overall, 33-13 on the road and 48-44-2 against the spread. They are averaging 105.5 points per game on offense while allowing 98.4 on defense.
Injuries have been a factor in the playoffs, as the team lost Tony Parker to a quad injury in the last series. Kawhi Leonard missed Game 6 of the series with the Rockets with an ankle sprain, but is expected to play today. Leonard is averaging 27.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game in the postseason. LaMarcus Aldridge is adding 16.8 points and 8 rebounds per game.
NBA PREDICTION
The Spurs managed a 29-point win at Golden State early in the season and I think they will come out with a reasonable game plan for Game 1. The Warriors are rested, but covering at home hasn’t been their forte in the playoffs.
Oddsmakers give them sizable spreads at the Oracle and today is no different. While I think the Warriors will win, I don’t like giving up 10 points to a Gregg Popovich squad.
NBA Prediction: San Antonio Spurs +10