Spurs and Thunder Gun for First Place in the West
The San Antonio Spurs, currently on a six-game win streak, have jumped back up to the top of the Western Conference standings and are now tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder for not only the top spot in the West, but in the entire NBA. Today, both teams will hit the road and look to capture sole possession of the league’s best record and here’s a look at each match-up.
San Antonio Spurs -1.5 at Dallas Mavericks +2Â
The Spurs will take their six-game win streak into Dallas today to take on a familiar foe in the Mavericks. The teams will be meeting for the third time already this season, with the Spurs easily winning the first two games by more than 20 points each time.
Although the Mavericks have played much better since the return of their star Dirk Nowitzki, it’s still been tough going for a team that is used to being in the position the Spurs are. Instead, they are 18-24 and simply trying to stay alive for a playoff spot.
With the Spurs boasting the third best scoring offense in the league and the Mavs bringing in one of the league’s worst defenses, allowing 102.9 points per game, there’s every indication that the Spurs will dominate the Mavs for the third straight game this season. Take San Antonio to easily cover -1.5 in its victory today.
Oklahoma City Thunder -9 at Sacramento Kings -9
OKC will also be on the road, where it is 14-7 this season, taking on the Kings, who are still dealing with a possible move to Seattle next season. Kings fans will certainly come out to support their home team, while trying to prove that the team still belongs in Sacramento.
The Kings have been much stronger at home this season (12-11), but they are allowing 103 points per game and will be up against the best scoring team in the NBA. The Thunder are scoring an incredible 105.9 points per game and are only allowing 97.2 points per contest, winning by an average of 8.7 points per game. Of course, that average is against the average NBA squad and unfortunately for the Kings, they are a bit below that.
This one is a little tougher than the first because of the spread, but the Thunder should still be able to cover -9 on the road and earn the win. So, it appears that both teams will stay tied for first place in the West and I have a feeling this battle for supremacy won’t be decided until the very end of the regular season.
