The new look San Antonio Spurs are once again near the top of the Western Conference. San Antonio will host the surging Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night in a battle of potential playoff teams. The Spurs have won six straight games over the Nets dating back to 2015-16 regular season, but the Nets have been horrible over that stretch.
Brooklyn comes into this game having won seven of their last eight games, and are in the playoff hunt in the Eastern Conference. The Nets have improved their record to 28-24, and are currently in sixth place in the East. San Antonio has won three straight games, and are tied atop the Southwest Division. The Spurs got off to a slow start this season, but come into this contest with a record of 30-22. San Antonio is -7.5 over Brooklyn in this game.
Young Nets Shocking the NBA
This was supposed to be a rebuilding season in Brooklyn, but the young Nets have found ways to win games, especially at home. The Nets have gone 16-9 at home so far, but have struggled to win games on the road. Brooklyn has one of the youngest rosters in the NBA, but they also have a ton of depth. The Nets are averaging 111.8 points per game while allowing 111.5 points per contest.
D’Angelo Russell has thrived in Brooklyn since being banished from the LA Lakers. Russell leads the Nets with 19.5 points and 6.4 assists per game this season and is the clear leader of this squad. Brooklyn is currently without backup point guard Spencer Dinwiddie, which will hurt their chances in this game. Dinwiddie is averaging better than 17 points per game off the bench for the Nets.
Popovich Calls Out Team After Recent Win
The Spurs might be riding a three-game winning streak, but Gregg Popovich was not happy with the way his team played in their most recent win. Popovich might be doing the best coaching job of his career this season, and has his team playing great. You can bet that the Spurs will respond on Thursday night, and will play much better. San Antonio is right around league average in nearly every category, but they are finding ways to win games.
DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge are both having monster seasons to lead the Spurs offense. DeRozan is averaging 21.5 points and 6.3 assists in his first season in a Spurs uniform. Aldridge originally struggled in San Antonio, but is averaging 21.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game and seems to be fully adjusted to playing for Popovich. The Spurs have several other veterans playing well, but DeRozan and Aldridge lead the pack.
Spurs Slow Down Nets’ Momentum
Brooklyn has been unstoppable at home this season, but they aren’t the same team when playing on the road. The Nets have a ton of young talent, but taking on the Spurs in San Antonio is a tall task for any team. Popovich challenged his team on Tuesday night, and they will respond in a big way in this game. Bet the San Antonio Spurs -7.5 over the Brooklyn Nets.
