NBA Basketball
2010-11-30 - San Antonio at Golden State
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Tuesday 30 November 2010 - Tip-Off 10:30pm ET
3:30am (British Standard Time)
Preview
There are always questions surrounding sport and one of the key ones in basketball at the moment is who is the best team in the Western Conference? The San Antonio Spurs (14-2) hope to continue putting themselves in the minds of fans and followers as they look to build another winning run when taking on the Golden State Warriors (8-9).
The Spurs look to put their unbeaten record on the road on the line again here, the last team in the NBA to hold such a record this season. They are averaging 105 points per game on the road, making them one of the top Offenses in that category in the NBA.
They also showed some of their character as they returned to winning ways against the New Orleans Hornets last time out. The Spurs found themselves 17 points down after losing their previous game to Dallas, but they found a way to battle back and get yet another W in the column.
Even though the Spurs were considered a team full of experience, no one would have expected this start from the team as they look to extend the best record in basketball.
Golden State finally broke their 5 game losing run with a win over Minnesota last time out and they will be hoping that Dorell Wright can continue his fantastic recent form where he has averaged 21 points per game in the last 3 contests. Wright also hit a franchise record 9 3 pointers in the last game while scoring 30 points.
Better news for the Warriors came in the form of the returning David Lee who has been a sensation since moving over from the New York Knicks during the off season. Golden State improved to 7-2 when having Lee in the line up and will need his presence if they want to win on the boards against San Antonio.
The Warriors are averaging 107 points per game in their home contests and will look for Monta Ellis to continue his recent success against the Spurs. Ellis is averaging 38 points per game in his last 3 against San Antonio.
Head to Head
San Antonio will be hoping to continue their recent winning run against Golden State, winning their last 8 meetings and winning those by an average of 18 points per game.
The Spurs have won their last 3 visits to Golden State.
The favourite in the series is 18-7-1 against the spread in recent meetings.
Golden State are 13-5 against the spread in their last 18 home games. San Antonio are 7-2 against the spread in their last 9 overall.
Prediction
San Antonio have been playing some really good basketball in recent weeks and have managed a squad of veterans with some young blood thrown in. Richard Jefferson has been a revelation this season and his improvements from last season poses another threat for the opposition.
Golden State have not matched up well with the Spurs in recent games and they find it tough keeping things close as San Antonio are a tough Defensive team to play against. The return of David Lee is only good news for this team.
As I said, the Warriors do not match up that well with the San Antonio Spurs and their problems stem from having a weak Defense and the fact the Spurs do not let their explosive Offense really get off.
The line is short enough to tempt me to bite and I will pick the Spurs to win and cover.
The Pick :
Golden State Warriors 97-109 San Antonio Spur
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll take the San Antonio Spurs - 3.5 Points
