© Stan Szeto, USA TODAY
Spurs vs. Warriors GAMEDAY Preview: How to Watch, Injury Report, Betting Odds
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Playing on the road against the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors typically means an automatic loss for a team such as the San Antonio Spurs. However, in a campaign riddled with injury and a stark departure from winning defense, the Warriors fall far from their championship efforts of last season.
Conversely, the Spurs’ abundance of injuries keeps them from taking advantage of opponents in similar situations. Without lineup consistency, San Antonio’s double-digit losses will continue. Without Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell in the game, the Spurs have little to no chance of victory.
Despite the Warriors’ change from good fortune to a worse team, their previous five contests showcase why they are a formidable playoff contender. In their last five games, a shade of championship DNA sneaks out of the cracks of an overall down season. Golden State and its opponents’ effective field goal percentage ranked in the top 10 league-wide during the aforementioned stretch.
Draymond Green plays a pivotal part in the Warriors’ recent performance. The former Michigan Spartan's recent defensive outings invoke memories of numerous Golden State championship runs.
Recording an excellent 100.3 defensive rating, Green again reminds people why he’s not a has-been in that department. Aside from the defensive end, Green’s overall production shows itself in the 14.8 net rating over the previous five games.
Of course, only a cave dweller would leave out the most crucial piece to Golden State’s success ... Stephen Curry.
Aside from the eye-popping shooting statistics Curry typically produces, it's the way he’s taken care of the ball that’s helped the Warriors sustain the five-game stretch. Ahead of Damian Lillard and Luka Doncic, Curry’s 2.38 assists-to-turnover ratio allows the Warriors to take liberties as an offense, enabling Jordan Poole takeover stretches.
According to NBA.com’s tracking data, Green assisted Curry on 14 baskets in the last five games. Green’s tenacious defense and Curry’s game-changing offense make for a dangerous duo.
It's safe to say the Spurs will have a long night if Curry and Green’s synergy sparks at the Chase Center.
Spurs at Warriors Broadcast Information
- Date: Friday, Mar. 31
- Time: 9:00 p.m. CT
- TV: Bally Sports Southwest, League Pass
- Radio: 1200 WOAI
- Betting Odds: The Warriors are 16-point favorites over the Spurs.
Spurs at Warriors Injury Report
San Antonio Spurs
- Charles Bassey (OUT - patella)
- Khem Birch (OUT - knee)
- Zach Collins (OUT - foot)
- Jeremy Sochan (OUT - knee)
- Romeo Langford (QUESTIONABLE - adductor)
- Devin Vassell (QUESTIONABLE - knee)
- Doug McDermott (PROBABLE - elbow)
Golden State Warriors
- Andrew Wiggins (OUT - personal)
- Andre Iguodala (OUT - wrist)
- Ryan Rollins (OUT - foot)
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