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Jeremy Perry
Warriors vs. Spurs: Game 3 Prediction, NBA Playoff Odds
The San Antonio Spurs have had no answer for the Golden State Warriors throughout the first two games of their Western Conference first round series. With their biggest star sidelined for the playoffs, the Spurs have been outscored by an average of 18.0 points while falling in to a 0-2 hole. With the Warriors focused on completing the series as quickly as possible in an effort to get some much needed rest, there is no reason to expect Kevin Durant and company to let their foot off the gas heading in to Game 3 NBA matchup.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Spurs don’t play well when trailing in a series as they are just 1-5 ATS and SU in their last six when behind. However, they have been a decent rebound team, going 4-1 ATS and 3-2 SU after three or more losses this year, they’re also 11-7 ATS and SU after a loss by 10 or more.
The Warriors are 26-8 in their last 34 first round playoff matchups. They have won 13 of the last 17 meetings in this series and also won and covered five of their last eight in San Antonio.
Golden State Warriors
Even without two-time MVP Stephen Curry in their lineup, Golden State has absolutely dominated through the first two games of this series. Kevin Durant recorded a team-high 32 points in Game 2 while Klay Thompson had 31 points and five assists. With Durant and Thompson playing at such a high level, the Warriors can afford to let Curry rest and heal the sprained left knee that has kept him sidelined through the first two games of the series.
Meanwhile, the depth on Golden State’s roster has stepped up as well with JaVale McGee in particular playing a key role against the Spurs. McGee had 10 points and seven rebounds in the Game 2 win over San Antonio after posting 15 and four in Game 1. As long as players like McGee, David West and Andre Iguodola continue to contribute, the Warriors will be extremely difficult to slow down.
It’s also worth noting that the Spurs signature defense has been punctured. The Warriors have shot at least 52 percent in both games. The Spurs have no shot if that continues.
San Antonio Spurs
There isn’t much more the Spurs could ask from LaMarcus Aldridge after an excellent performance in Game 2. Aldridge scored 34 points with 12 rebounds and three assists but San Antonio still lost by 15 points on the road. Aldridge will need to be at his best once again when the Spurs take the floor at home for Game 3.
Meanwhile, if San Antonio is going to keep this game close they will need Rudy Gay, Patt Mills and Davis Bertans to be a lot more efficient. That trio combined for 38 points in Game 2 but it came on 14-of-35 from the field.
There were some positives that the Spurs can draw from Game 2. They were leading 25-23 after the first quarter and 53-47 at the half. It was really the second half where they became unglued.
At home, they might be able to sustain that type of effort with the support of the crowd. The first two games have been ugly but so have many road games for the Spurs this year. At home is where they butter their bread.
