Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors – Game #24
DeMar DeRozan leads the Spurs against the Warriors (Photo via Twitter)
The San Antonio Spurs (13-10) will try to get to four games over .500 for the first time this season tonight when they take on the Golden State Warriors (12-11). The Spurs are riding a two-game winning streak, while the Warriors have alternated wins and losses in their last six games.
In Golden State’s last game, Stephen Curry had 57 points on 19-for-31 shooting from the field, including 11-for-19 shooting on three-pointers. However, the Warriors lost the game to the Dallas Mavericks by the final score of 134-132.
The Spurs, on the other hand, are coming off of a 111-106 victory over the Houston Rockets. San Antonio was led by the wonderful play of DeMar DeRozan, who totaled 30 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. DeRozan was instrumental down the stretch when the Spurs needed him most.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
LaMarcus Aldridge will miss his third consecutive game with a hip injury. Once again, Jakob Poeltl will start in his place. Behind Poeltl will either be Drew Eubanks or Trey Lyles. Last game, Eubanks got the call and scored a season-high 12 points.
Missing his second straight game will be Lonnie Walker IV. San Antonio’s starting shooting guard is out due to a stomach illness. Derrick White is expected to once again start in his place.
Rudy Gay and Dejounte Murray have been banged up recently but neither player was on the injury report.
Spurs Looking for Revenge Against Warriors
Back on January 20th, the Warriors spanked the Spurs, 121-99. Golden State dominated throughout. Curry led the way for the Warriors with 26 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in 31 minutes of action. The Spurs were led by Murray’s 22 points but he got very little help that game.
In tonight’s contest, San Antonio’s focus begins with Curry. He’s playing really well, as evidenced by his 57-point game against the Mavs and the way he dominated the Spurs in the last matchup between these two teams.
Expect the Spurs to try multiple defenders against Curry. White, who was still recovering from injury back on January 20th, could be one of the main defenders against him this game. Murray, Patty Mills and rookie Devin Vassell could also get a crack at him.
On the other end of the court, the Spurs will need to shoot better to have a chance. Last time against the Warriors, they were only 4-for-33 on three-pointers. If their accuracy doesn’t improve dramatically, San Antonio will be in trouble. But if they can shoot better and slow Curry just a little bit, the Spurs will have a chance to notch a victory.