Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors

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The San Antonio Spurs continue their four game road trip through the Pacific Division with a game in Oakland against the Warriors.

The game is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT and will be televised on NBA TV and FoxSportsSouthwest. The game can also be heard on the radio on WOAI 1200 AM.

How will San Antonio fare against Golden State? We take a look at recent history, injuries, and key matchups to predict the outcome of the game!

Recent Games

San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs head into this game looking to build on their 89-85 win last night in Los Angeles against the Clippers. The Spurs had a nice comeback to secure the win, using a 14-3 run over the final 6:31.

The Spurs big three recorded their 500th victory together with the win, the second most all-time in NBA history among trios. San Antonio is an even 3-3 to start the season and is surprisingly at the bottom of the Southwest Division standings.

Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors come into this game looking to rebound after losing in Phoenix to the Suns, 107-95. The loss marked the Warriors first defeat of the season.

Heading into that game against the Suns, Golden State was a perfect 5-0. Stephen Curry has been a big part of that start, averaging 27.7 points, 7.2 assists, and 3.5 steals to start the season.

Injuries

San Antonio Spurs

Marco Belinelli, Shooting Guard – Belinelli suffered a groin injury towards the end of the first quarter in Thursday’s win over the Atlanta Hawks. San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich put the shooting guard’s timetable around 7-to-10 days a couple of days ago. Expect his minutes to go to Austin Daye.

Patty Mills, Point Guard – Mills is still healing from surgery on his torn rotator cuff. Expect his minutes to go to Cory Joseph.

Tiago Splitter, Center – Splitter re-aggravated his right calf injury in the game against the Hawks and is expected to miss tonight’s game. He is expected to visit a specialist and remains uncertain for future games.  Look for Boris Diaw and Matt Bonner to pick up his minutes.

Golden State Warriors

David Lee, Power Forward – Lee suffered a left hamstring injury in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers. He is expected to miss tonight’s game and will be re-evaluated in about two weeks. Draymond Green is expected to pick up the start in his place.

Key Matchups

Tonight’s key matchup is the between the starting point guards. Tony Parker and Stephen Curry are elite point guards who can get their own and their success can determine the result for their team. Curry has been off to a hot start and Spurs must contain him if they want to escape with their second straight victory.

PG. Tony Parker struggled in the game last night against the Los Angeles Clippers, shooting an abysmal 3-of-13 from the field. The good news though is that Parker has been solid to start the season, averaging 16 points and 4.3 assists while shooting 47.1% from the field. The French point guard will need to be on his toes defensively as the other guard across from him, Stephen Curry, has been fantastic to start the season.. PG. San Antonio Spurs. TONY PARKER

PG. Golden State Warriors. STEPHEN CURRY. PG. Stephen Curry has been “en fuego” to start the season averaging 27.7 points, 7.2 assists, and 3.5 steals. What’s even more important is that Curry’s performances have translated into wins for the Warriors. Golden State has gone 5-1 to start the season. Curry did struggle in turnovers and fouls in the Warriors’ only loss so frustrating the former Davidson star seems to be a recipe for success.

Prediction

The San Antonio Spurs will move to 2-0 on this road trip tonight in a close win against the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors pack a huge offensive punch so expect the game to be a high scoring affair.

Kawhi Leonard finally looks like he’s getting into groove and I expect another good game from the forward. The Spurs extend all their energy inot this game and win, knowing that they will get to rest for the next couple of days. (Note: Air Alamo is 3-3 on San Antonio Spurs game predictions)

41. . 107. 29. 103

Next: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Clippers Post-Game Grades