San Antonio Spurs host Golden State in midst of winning streak

OAKLAND, CA - FEBRUARY 6: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) defends against San Antonio Spurs' Bryn Forbes (11) in the third quarter at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. (Photo by Nhat V. Meyer/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - FEBRUARY 6: Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) defends against San Antonio Spurs' Bryn Forbes (11) in the third quarter at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019. (Photo by Nhat V. Meyer/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty Images) /
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After winning eight straight games, the San Antonio Spurs will be battle tested by the Golden State Warriors as Kevin Durant returns to the lineup on Monday.

With the season series split at one win each, the streaking San Antonio Spurs will host the Golden State Warriors in a clash of Western Conference playoff contenders. The Spurs’ home victory over Portland on Saturday evening extended their league-best winning streak to eight games despite a valiant effort by All-Star Damian Lillard.

Sophomore guard Derrick White, whose on-ball defense has been key in limiting the game’s most dangerous backcourt players, must step up for the greatest test the NBA has to offer: sharpshooting phenomenon Stephen Curry.

Improved defense and methodical ball movement have been key to San Antonio’s recent success. By playing unselfish basketball and turning defense into offense, the Spurs have turned the corner after a rough stretch of defense in the middle of the season.

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Golden State was able to best Gregg Popovich’s squad during their visit to the Bay Area, but the homecourt advantage provided by a roaring AT&T Center crowd against a familiar foe may give San Antonio an edge.

Former MVP Kevin Durant is expected to return to the lineup for Golden State, although superstar center DeMarcus Cousins‘ status is in question. As for the Spurs, all players should be available to play barring an unexpected change of events.

Just 1.5 games behind the fourth seeded Trail Blazers, San Antonio boasts a 41-29 record with 12 games remaining in the regular season. Securing the season series against the best team in the league would be a huge confidence boost for the Spurs heading into the playoffs.

After being eliminated by the Warriors in both of the last two seasons, Pop and the squad always play with a collective chip on their shoulders when Golden State comes to town.

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The game is set to tip-off at 7:00 P.M. CST and will be shown locally on Fox Sports Southwest as well as ESPN nationally.