Forecasting Spurs Week 1 of 2016-17 NBA Season

The NBA season gets underway this week, with the Spurs sent off to Golden State right off the bat.

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With the Spurs largely a new squad built around a returning core of Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Patty Mills, it will take time to gel. That is why I think the Spurs drop their opener to a Warrior team that will be all hyped up at home.

No big deal.

Spurs fan should not be concerned or worried in the least after this 1st of 82 games of the season. The Spurs can find a true measure when they face the Warriors later, after having time to come together under Gregg Popovich’s leadership.

Will it be annoying to watch Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green parade around like they are winning the Championship? Yes it will. If we do pull it off, it will be a sweet bonus to start the season.

Game 2 puts San Antonio in Sacramento to take on the Kings. Spurs have owned the Kings in Sacramento. Even close games, they manage to pull it out in the end. Could it be more of the same? Certainly, and especially if the Spurs are coming off a road loss to the Warriors to nights prior.

Having said that, I feel the Kings are due and they will momentarily halt the streak of beatings at the hand of the Spurs. If that happens, it is again not a reason for concern with a largely new cast of characters without the Foundation of Duncan to latch onto on the road for the first time in 19 years or so.

Game 3 sees the Spurs with their home opener after spending the first 4 to 5 days in California. The New Orleans Pelicans have always given the Spurs fits, but the Spurs will be hungry, focused and honed in from the get go, and will take this one and give us fans glimpses of even better games and performances to come as the season progresses. Fans will feel steadied and confident after a potential rough start in California.

Oct 12, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich looks on against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. San Antonio Spurs defeated the Orlando Magic 95-89. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Game 4 is a back to back against the Miami Heat in Miami. The Spurs will win this one and show their road chops, and enjoy winning on the court that took us to our lowest lows, and highest highs as a franchise in the 2013 and 2104 NBA Finals.

No more Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, or Chris Bosh this time around, but the Spurs will show that they continue to contend for a Championship annually, and are able to retain the services of quality people as well as quality players over time.

We are spoiled as Spurs fans that are Big 3 lasted for years and years, and only through a 30 year old retirement was it fragmented, not via free agency or trade. The success and longevity not to mention the loyalty and character are evidenced by Ginobili and Parker each sporting four Championship rings. That is more rings than any active player has won, and that includes James, and Wade.

So as the first 4 games comes to completion next Sunday night, I see the Spurs a 2-2 team that will pick up steam as it goes and have a great season.

I just think the start will be a little rocky.

Having said that, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Spurs run out to a 3-1 start either. If they were to go 4-0, I would be downright giddy. So I will watch, but not let myself get too high or low in these initial contests.

Must Read: LaMarcus Aldridge puts a halt to trade rumors

It’s a long season, and the Spurs under Pop’s leadership see the big picture, and will build towards their ultimate goal one game at a time.