Golden State Warriors vs. San Antonio Spurs: 5 Bold Predictions for Second Round Playoff Series

April 15, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter (22) controls the ball against Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Now that the first round is wrapping up, with only Brooklyn and Chicago going to a Game 7, there are many predictions to start making. The Golden State Warriors beat the Denver Nuggets in the first round in the only real upset so far. They did so with flying colors and are looking better than ever. Now, however, they’re going to play the Spurs, and they haven’t won in San Antonio since Tim Duncan was drafted. This could be a problem because the Spurs’ crowd isn’t all that loud, but veteran leadership will always take over.

With that being said, there’s many things that I could predict, but bold predictions are the best way to go. For the Warriors, there’s a couple of things they need to do to win at least one road game. The Spurs are a type of team that isn’t intimidating to face, but when you look at the scoreboard, you’re down by 20 points. How did that happen?

1. Klay Thompson is Dangerous Only on the Road:

In the Nuggets-Warriors series, Klay Thompson did all his damage on the road. He had a few bad home games and his best was when he scored 13 points. That may be because of inexperience, but it’s a good thing. When the crowd gets into it, and your team is about to be down by 10, you hit a three, and suddenly everything’s okay. Thompson will be a crowd silencer and likes to take and make big shots on the road. That’s just the type of sophomore he’s become. At least in the postseason.

2. No one can stop Stephen Curry:

Tony Parker is a pretty good defender, right? Well that’s what they thought about Ty Lawson, until Curry completely owned the matchup. Then, however, the Nuggets wisely switched Andre Iguodala to him. For the Spurs, that would be Danny Green, an excellent perimeter defender. Curry, however, knows how to handle the pressure, and will score on him as well. He scored 22 points in game four in the third quarter, and 14 in the third quarter of Game 6. If there’s anything we know, it’s that he’s a scorer and will find ways to get to the basket.

3. No one can stop Tim Duncan:

Don’t get me wrong, David Lee wasn’t good on defense, but at least he provides some offense to counter good power forward play. With the way that Carl Landry has been playing lately, the Warriors should be fine. He still can’t guard Tim Duncan, however, who is as tall as a center. The only other option is Andris Biedrins, and I don’t think he’s going to see a single minute in the postseason. Andrew Bogut may have to switch over while Landry takes Tiago Splitter, who isn’t much of an offensive threat. Still, things are looking iffy in this matchup.

4. David Lee will see minutes, but not too many:

He’s not as good as he used to be, but if the Warriors are in need of an emotional boost, or Lee continues to work on his rehab and shows vast improvement, they’re putting him in the game. It may five minutes, it may be eight minutes, or it may even be 10 minutes. He’s going to see some time on the court, and the Warriors are going to look for him to make great passes to the shooters and the other bigs. It’ll be very emotional and inspirational. After all, is the captain of this team.

5. Draymond Green will average at least 10 points per game:

Here’s a funny thought: Fab Melo was drafted over Draymond Green in the 2012 NBA draft by the Celtics. Green just scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the biggest game of the year for the Warriors. Because of his great play, he has worked into the Warriors’ rotation, and will now see close to 22-23 minutes per game. This is surely enough time to do some damage. As a rookie who likes the big moments, he’s shown up to play some good basketball, and that’s what the Warriors are looking for. His shooting stroke has been rediscovered.