NBA Basketball
2013-05-06 - Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball Play Offs
Monday 6 May 2013 - Tip Off 9:30pm
2:30am (British Time)
Preview
The San Antonio Spurs swept the injury riddled LA Lakers out of the Play Offs in the First Round and would have certainly be expected to have played Denver in the Semi Finals. However, the Golden State Warriors had another thought and were one of the real surprise packages from the First Round.
A young team won't have a lot of fear coming into this series, but the Warriors have to contend with all the experience and Play Off know how that the San Antonio Spurs have built over the years. However, any team that has Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Jarrett Jack shooting three pointers for fun will be tough to beat.
The Spurs are well aware that they have to keep their focus on the perimeter as that is where the Warriors get a lot of their good work done. They played very well defensively against the Lakers in the First Round, but it is much harder to deal with Golden State spreading things out and sinking three pointers.
On the other hand, Golden State are well aware of the talent and depth in the San Antonio roster. The extra time between series will also have helped the Spurs rest the likes of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, especially as all three have had some injury concerns throughout the course of the season.
Golden State had a physical series in the First Round which has taken its toll on some of their key players. David Lee returned in Game 6 but may still need to have his minutes on the court limited, while Stephen Curry is slightly hobbled after spraining his ankle in Game 2, although he is not expected to miss any time.
Head to Head
San Antonio and Golden State split the season series 2-2 with both teams winning their home games.
The Spurs have not lost a home game to the Warriors since 1997 in a time before Tim Duncan was even drafted into the NBA.
Prediction
This is a tough series to read as a lot will depend on how hot the Golden State Warriors get from beyond the three point line. If they do, it can be tough to stop them, although I think San Antonio have the experience and knowledge to slow them down and make the right adjustments.
I think the Spurs will get off to a good start on their home court and I like their chances to win this one by at least 10 points.
The Pick :
San Antonio Spurs 104-94 Golden State Warriors
