San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors 4/16/18, Prediction & Odds

Spurs vs. Warriors Prediction

The San Antonio Spurs were unable to hang with the host Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of their first round series. Will anything change tonight when Game 2 tips off?

Game Snapshot

703 San Antonio Spurs at 704 Golden State Warriors

Monday, April 16, 2018

Oracle Arena at 10:30PM ET

TV: TNT

Public Betting Information

According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Warriors are a 9.5-point favorite to win on the moneyline. The over-under is set at 205 points. As of Monday afternoon, 66 percent of public bets have sided with host Golden State. Check out our NBA Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.

Leonard ruled out for the season

In what should not be a surprise to anyone, Spurs star small forward Kawhi Leonard has officially been ruled out for the postseason as he continues to rehab his injured quadricep back to full strength. Leonard missed an extended period of time with another injury at the start of the season, but when he returned in December he appeared to be rounding into form. Unfortunately, the quad injury sidelined him again and for far longer than anyone anticipated. His absence as a two-way star has been evident for a San Antonio team that managed to make the playoffs, but haven't made things look nearly as easy this season. In Game 1, the Spurs were smoked 113-92 without Leonard.

Durant leads way to victory

We've discussed how Warriors small forward Kevin Durant always sees his usage rate rise whenever point guard Steph Curry is out of the lineup. Game 1 was no exception as he shot 8-of-17 from the floor for 24 points in 32 minutes, also adding eight rebounds and seven assists. Those numbers could rise in Game 2 if the game manages to stay closer. It was an encouraging sign for Durant to have a strong Game 1 against a San Antonio team he struggled against somewhat this season. It also proved the Warriors shouldn't have too much issue getting past the first round despite Curry being out.

NBA Betting Trends

San Antonio

The over is 3-0-1 in the last four Spurs games following a ATS loss. San Antonio is 0-8 ATS in its last eight road games. The Spurs are 2-6 ATS in the last eight meetings.

Golden State

The over is 3-0-1 in the last four Warriors home games. Golden State is 2-12 ATS in its last 14 games played on one day of rest. The Warriors are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games.

Prediction:

I was all set to take the Warriors here, but after looking at the Golden State ATS numbers on one day of rest and at home, I'm shifting my opinion. Curry's absence will be evident in this series and why not tonight? Gregg Popovich is a masterful coach and if anyone can craft the changes needed to make it a closer game, it's him. Take the Spurs to stay within the number.

 

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: SAN ANTONIO SPURS +9.5