Western Conference Playoffs Second Round
Game 1 - Series tied 0-0
Tip-off: Monday, 9:30 p.m. ET
Line: Golden State -8.5 Total: 201.0

The Golden State Warriors head into San Antonio on Monday night looking to steal Game 1 from the Spurs.

The San Antonio Spurs had an easy first round series with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning the series in just four games. Golden State on the other hand edged out Denver in a tough six game series led by the unbelievable play of All-Star snub, Stephen Curry. During the regular season, the two teams split wins SU in the series series with Golden State covering in three out of the four. During the regular season, San Antonio was just 19-20-2 ATS when playing on their own home court but the Warriors weren’t too much better when playing on the road. Golden State had the exact same record as the Spurs did at home going 19-20-2 ATS away from Oracle Arena. The status of David Lee is going to be a major question mark this series as his presence only improves a Warriors team that has covered in nine straight contests.

The Golden State Warriors won an enduring series against the Denver Nuggets in which Stephen Curry emerged as the breakout superstar of the playoffs. In the first round of the playoffs, Curry averaged 24.3 PPG (45.8% FG, 44.2% 3PT) , 9.3 APG, 4.3 APG and 2.2 SPG. Klay Thompson also had a good series for the Warriors, averaging 14.7 PPG on 46.3% FG. Thompson did, however, struggle shooting the ball from areas he normally excels on the court. He is a 40.1% 3PT shooter and 84.1% FT shooter on the season, but shot just 34.3% 3PT and 66.7% FT in the series. Andrew Bogut played some of his best basketball in a Warriors uniform in the first round, specifically in the close-out Game 6. In Game 6, Bogut played 39 minutes and finished with 14 points (7-of-10 FG) and 21 rebounds. Bogut was active on both ends of the floor and played with a ton of energy.

The San Antonio Spurs were happy to find out they drew the Los Angeles Lakers and with good reason. The Lakers were without Kobe Bryant and couldn’t keep the rest of their team healthy either. The Spurs won all four games in the series and did so behind a very balanced attack. Tony Parker has been on his game for San Antonio so far in the playoffs. In the four games the Spurs played, Parker played 31.8 MPG and averaged 22.3 PPG (49.3% FG) and 6.5 APG. Tim Duncan also played the same consistent basketball he played all year, dominating the Lakers inside with 17.5 PPG (51.7% FG), 7.5 RPG and 1.0 BPG. Duncan was frustrating Dwight Howard throughout the series and really set the tone for San Antonio. If the Spurs are going to get by the Warriors, they are going to need Manu Ginobili to play his best basketball. Ginobili showed glimpses of his old self in the Lakers series, averaging 11.3 PPG in just 19.5 MPG. Ginobili’s biggest concern has been staying healthy and so far he has done just that.