Golden State Warriors (60-24 SU, 36-47-1 ATS) vs. San Antonio Spurs (47-37 SU, 42-40-2 ATS)
Time: Thursday, April 18th, 2018 9:00 PM EDT
Where: Alamodome San Antonio, TX
TV: TNT
by Keith, Professional NBA Handicapper, Predictem
Odds Golden State -165, San Antonio +140
Point Spread: San Antonio +3
Total Line: 206
The San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors will meet for Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals set to take place in San Antonio, Texas. The game is scheduled for a tip-off of 9:00 PM EDT and will be televised on TNT for national audiences. In Game One, Golden State had their way with the Spurs as they defeated San Antonio 113-92 covering an eight-point line in the process. In their follow up in Game Two, the Warriors once again defeated the Spurs handily by a margin of 15 points in Oakland. Golden State has been a menace for San Antonio as the Warriors have gone 10-1 SU against the Spurs in their last eleven meetings.
As a whole both teams came into the playoffs on differing notions. San Antonio entered as the number seven seed which must be considered atypical for the Spurs given the fact they were the chief rival to Golden States supremacy previous to this season. Golden State in its own right does not look like the Golden State we have seen in years past, as they finished behind Houston for the best record in the West in the 2017-18 season. The contrast in competitive quality between both outfits in the first two games of this series reflects this presiding tendency.
There are many key betting trends worth focusing on in this contest. First off, Golden State is 8-3 ATS against San Antonio in the previous eleven meetings. San Antonio is 26-14 SU home while Golden State is 29-15 SU away from home. In essence, the element of home court advantage is nullified in this contest by Golden State’s superior play as a whole this season. See what trends our handicappers are banking on over at the NBA Picks Forum.
The Spurs feature advantages in the area of coaching experience. Greg Popovich is a man that knows how to work with whatever he has to produce results above expectation. San Antonio plays small-ball and garners a traditional approach to the game. The Spurs play smart basketball, and such a strategy makes them a viable option in any fixture they find themselves involved in.
As a defending NBA Champion, the Warriors are a popular choice as they have won two the last three finals. This unit has the prolific talent to repeat as NBA Champions. The Warriors also feature the top-ranked offense in the NBA, leading the league in points scored, field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and three-point shooting. With a star-studded cast of personnel, the Warriors offer a lot of appeal.
From the start, we have seen a lean take shape on the Warriors. Nevertheless, we have yet to see a line movement materialize. In the Over/Under, we have seen the market fall by a point to its current station. Compared to previous markets, the Warriors are being offered with far less lumber to lay as well. The Over/Under on the contrary has hovered around the same figure compared to the last two games. In the playoffs, the Over/Under is 1-0-1 ATS, so bookmakers have been right on the nail.
Golden States dominance in this series so far makes them a very attractive option in this market with low-hanging fruit. However, it says to us that the market is reluctant to believe that Golden State will have its way in this contest despite their prolific performances in Game One and Two. In this contest, we will trade away the bucket and take the Spurs outright on the Money Line. San Antonio will respond to the 2-0 deficit with a much-needed victory in Game Three.
KEITHs PICK: San Antonio +140 (Money Line) at 5Dimes to get the best line on this game and guys if you don’t have an account here, now is the time to save money during the NBA playoffs and all season long in MLB!