NBA Playoffs 2013: Warriors vs. Spurs Game 4 Odds and Projections

The San Antonio Spurs took care of business on the road against the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. Now that they have a 2-1 lead, the veteran squad will be looking to put things out of reach and steal Game 4 before returning to Texas.

However, that goal is much easier said than done against the proud Warriors—especially with one of the most supportive home crowds in the league behind them.

While Stephen Curry’s injury looms over this contest and his status will likely have a major impact on the spread, things should still be relatively close when all is said and done—regardless of who plays and who sits.

Keep reading for a quick look at where you can watch this game and check out a short preview, plus a gambling guide that includes the latest spread information and a prediction on the final score.

Game Information

Time: Sunday, May 12, 3:30 p.m. ET

Where: Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif.

Series Record: Spurs 2, Warriors 1

Watch: ABC

Injury Report (via CBS Sports): Stephen Curry, PG, GSW: questionable, ankle 

After Curry fell just short of single-handedly willing the Dubs to a Game 1 victory with his 44 points and 11 assists, Klay Thompson picked up the slack in the next game and dropped 34 points and grabbed 14 rebounds on the way to a Golden State road victory.

Tony Parker had something to say about all the talk that the Spurs were doing on Friday, scoring 32 points, grabbing five boards and dishing five dimes on the way to a 102-92 win at Oracle Arena.

Now the Warriors are desperate to win one at home, as—if the team fails on Sunday—it may be the last time they play in front of their fans this season. The series returns to San Antonio for Game 5, which could be the clincher for the Spurs.

Expect to see some high-energy performances from both squads, with the outcome likely to be favorable to the side that executes its offense, plays disciplined defense and brings it for all 48 minutes.

Point Spread (via ScoresAndOdds.com): Spurs -2

If Curry is out, take the Spurs at minus-2. If the superstar point guard plays and is expected to get a decent chunk of minutes—which may swing the line back toward the Dubs' favor—then Golden State is the play.

In Game 3, the Warriors were without a fully healthy Curry and failed to cover the spread. Considering the team is 11-1 against the spread over its past 12 Western Conference showdowns and 4-1 ATS in its last five home games, it seems that the elite guard is the key to betting this team.

His mediocre 16 points on 5-of-17 shooting (3-of-9 from beyond the arc) simply weren’t enough to get it done at home on Friday, as the 25-year-old’s ankle was clearly bothering him throughout the night.

If Curry is feeling ready to go and unhindered by the ankle issues, he should be able to help the Warriors not only cover this small spread, but also outright win the contest and tie the series up.

Over/Under (via ScoresAndOdds.com): 198.5

Lean toward the under.

While everyone expects the Spurs and Dubs to engage in a high-scoring, fast-paced, three-point shooting bonanza, neither has been putting up enough points to go over the high totals being set.

The under has hit each time in Golden State’s last five matchups, while San Antonio tends to be a bit sluggish on the weekends and has seen its totals go under in each of its past seven Sunday showdowns.

Don’t be surprised when coaches Mark Jackson and Gregg Popovich instruct their players to put the clamps down and try to win this one in the trenches, as Game 4 could very well be an ugly, low-scoring affair.

Prediction: Warriors 99–Spurs 95