Saturday’s schedule: Big day in the West
The National Basketball Association has a litany of terrific matchups on Saturday. While the schedule is being slightly overlooked because of the Super Bowl on Sunday and the college basketball schedule, the NBA has an evening chock full of high-profile contests.
In the Western Conference, there are great races for both the No. 8 seed and the Southwest Division, along with jostling for position within the other seeds. Below is a nice guide to get you through a busy Saturday in The Association.
Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies (-7)
The Thunder are finally healthy and need to start making a move in the West. Oklahoma City is sitting 10th in the conference and four games behind the Phoenix Suns, who are holding the eighth and final playoff seed. The Thunder will get a tough test on Saturday against Memphis, which is leading the Southwest Division. The Grizzlies are a rugged group boasting a trio of top-notch players in guard Mike Conley Jr. and Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol on the interior. The Thunder will have to find some answers inside against the aforementioned duo to beat Memphis at the FedExForum, where the Grizzlies are 20-5.
Los Angeles Clippers at San Antonio Spurs (-5.5)
The Spurs began the season slowly, but are rounding into form. The defending champions have won three straight and now host the Clippers, a group many expected to unseat San Antonio at the beginning of the campaign. Los Angeles is 32-15 and second in the Pacific Division, yet 5.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors. The Spurs are battling in the brutal Southwest, trailing the Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets. San Antonio relies heavily on its defense, which ranks fifth in the league in points against at 97.2 per game. The Spurs have beaten the Clippers in both meetings this season, with the last coming on Dec. 22.
Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors (-9)
Golden State looks like the most complete team in basketball, but it has struggled recently. The Warriors have dropped two straight for the third time this season, losing to the Chicago Bulls and lowly Utah Jazz. Phoenix will try to keep their misery going when it visits ORACLE Arena, a place where Golden State has only lost twice all season. The Suns beat the Warriors in Phoenix back on Nov. 9, 107-95. In that contest, Klay Thompson did not play with a sprained hand. On the surface, this appears like a mismatch. The Suns are ranked 28th in scoring defense, while Golden State is easily the highest-scoring team in the league. However, the Suns can win a shootout, checking in second in points scored.
Other Saturday games in the NBA, including lines:
Toronto Raptors at Washington Wizards (-4)
Dallas Mavericks (-8) at Orlando Magic
Sacramento Kings at Indiana Pacers (-5)
Philadelphia 76ers at Atlanta Hawks (-17)
Houston Rockets (-5) at Detroit Pistons
Cleveland Cavaliers (-10) at Minnesota Timberwolves
Portland Trailblazers (-2) at Milwaukee Bucks
Charlotte Hornets at Denver Nuggets (-6)
