The Golden State Warriors took a major hit to their chances of breaking the ’95-’96 Bulls’ record. They lost at home to Boston last Friday, and again to Minnesota on Tuesday night. The Dubs now have a tough proposition ahead of them—win four games in a row for the record. It doesn’t help that they face chief rival, the San Antonio Spurs, two times in their last four games of the season.
The Spurs are pretty unreadable, though. Coach Greg Popovich has a habit of resting players in preparation for the playoffs. But the lure of beating Golden State, and deflating their morale heading into the playoffs, may be too good to pass on.
It’s going to be one hell of a game with plenty of looks to decipher. Join us as we take a look at what the experts have to say heading into this superb matchup. Get plenty more info on this game with our complete game preview of the Spurs vs. Warriors.
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Experts Picks for the San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland
When: Thursday, April 7, 10:30 PM ET
Line: San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TNT
Winners and Whiners
| Expert | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Benjamin Hayes | Warriors SU and ATS |
Benjamin Hayes of Winners and Whiners is taking a close look at this upcoming matchup between the two best teams in the league. He poses two big questions heading into this matchup, “Will [Gregg] Popovich rest some key players?” and “Are the Warriors getting tired?”
Leonard and Aldridge should be a big boost if they play against Golden State. Aldridge had 26 points and 13 rebounds in their last meeting against the Dubs at home. Meanwhile, Leonard had 18 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. The Spurs held Golden State to 37.8 percent shooting, and held Stephen Curry to just 1 of 12 from beyond the arc when they were at full strength.
The Spurs may rest their players, but Golden State has been playing everybody recently. They’re pushing for 73 wins to break the ’95-’96 Bulls’ 72-win record. The Warriors turned the ball over a season-high 24 times losing to a young but talented Minnesota squad. Curry showed some wear, shooting just 7 of 25 from the field and 4 of 14 from three. The Warriors even let the Timberwolves wreak havoc all over the floor. Minnesota shot 51.2 percent from the field and 47.1 percent from beyond the arc.
Yes, Golden State is tired. But they want the record so expect them to push for the win and cover especially at home. Hayes is locked down on the Warriors for Thursday night’s matchup.
Sports Chat Place
| Expert | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Randy Chambers | Warriors SU and ATS |
Randy Chambers sounds off on his pick for Thursday night’s blockbuster showdown between the Spurs and Warriors. He notes that San Antonio has been rolling, winning 12 of their last 14 games.
The Spurs are averaging 104 points on 48.7 percent shooting. They’re allowing just 92.5 points on 43.5 percent shooting. It’s going to be tough to beat the Spurs, especially with their defense locked in. Meanwhile, the Warriors need to win out if they have any hopes of beating the ’95-’96 Bulls’ record. They’re scoring 115.3 points per game, while limiting opponents to 104.5 points per outing.
Chambers notes that it’s worth mentioning that the Warriors have been horrible against the spread at home, going 1-5 ATS in their last six at Oracle Arena. The Spurs have been tremendous against Golden State, going 6-2 ATS in the last eight meetings.
Trends aside, Chambers notes that the Spurs may be more motivated to beat the Warriors at home on Sunday. Meanwhile, it’s do or die now for the Warriors to break the record. Chambers has Golden State winning and covering as five-point favorites.
Covers
| Expert | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Covers | Warriors SU and Spurs ATS |
Hayes and Chambers picked the Warriors in the first two experts featured in this piece. The Spurs may be rest assured that at least one expert is willing to get them to win, at least against the spread. Covers is pegging the Spurs to lose by a narrow 101-99 on Thursday night for the ATS victory.
Covers notes the Spurs’ Tony Parker’s belief that Greg Popovich won’t be resting players for this game. Parker noted that none of the key players rested against Utah on Monday, so why should they against the best team in the league Thursday night. After all, the Spurs flexed their muscle in their last meeting, limiting the Warriors to a season-low 79 points on March 20.
Steve Kerr is pretty unhappy about the Warriors’ performance against Minnesota. He noted that everything was bad from coaching to playing. Golden State committed a season-high 24 turnovers in the overtime loss to Minnesota. The letdown came despite the return of last season’s finals MVP Andre Iguodala, who has been out due to a sprained ankle.
The Warriors, especially Stephen Curry, have an added consolation heading into this game. Curry needs 18 threes in his final four games to reach the 400 mark. No one else has even hit 300. He’ll need an average of 4.5 threes over the last four outings to add another feather to his cap.
The experts have sounded off on their picks. It’s time to create a betting account now and get a taste of high-level basketball action.
