The Golden State Warriors (69-9) were in prime position to take down the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls' regular season wins record just one week ago, but a pair of losses to the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves have left them reeling heading into a crucial home matchup against the San Antonio Spurs (64-12).
The NBA's two best teams will meet twice over the next four days with the No. 1 seed in the West still technically up for grabs. The Warriors would need to lose out with the Spurs winning out for that to happen, though, which is highly unlikely. Golden State breaking the '95-'96 Bulls' wins mark could prove just as difficult, as the reigning champs would need to win their final four games -- including a Sunday tilt in San Antonio -- for that to happen. Winning three of four to tie the Bulls is a more realistic goal for Steve Kerr's ball club.
Before we look too far ahead, here is a preview and prediction for Thursday night's Warriors vs. Spurs contest.
Game Info:
When: 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
TV: TNT
Spread: Warriors by 7
O/U: 209
Keys To The Game:
The Warriors have been dogged by turnovers in all of their losses since the All-Star break, averaging nearly 20 giveaways. Against the Celtics and Timberwolves, that number rises to 23. Stephen Curry coughed it up a season-high nine times against Boston. Golden State will need to tighten it up on the offensive end if they want to defeat a team as well coached as Gregg Popovich's Spurs.
The big storyline for San Antonio, as it often is, is whether or not Popovich will rest any of his starters. According to Tony Parker, "everybody's playing" on Thursday, but it is likely that Pop keeps his plans under wraps until tip-off is approaching.
What They're Saying About Warriors vs. Spurs:
What's At Stake In Tonight's Warriors vs. Spurs Game (ESPN)
Warriors Have No Room for Error, or Spectacle (NY Times)
Do Golden State Warriors have a turnover problem? (ESPN)
For Spurs and Warriors, chess games begin (San Antonio Express-News)
Controlling pace is key when Warriors, Spurs meet (ESPN)
Has pursuit of regular-season milestones hurt Warroprs? (San Francisco Chronicle)
Prediction: Warriors win 104-93
The Warriors come into Thursday's game with a chip on their shoulder. In times like this, they have proven time and time again why they are one of the best teams the league has ever seen. While two straight losses on their home floor is pretty hard to believe, there's no way Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green let the skid run to three. The Spurs' smothering defense will be able to slow down the pace of the game and keep it close, but Golden State will put it away down the stretch,