Prizing:

1st Place: $50 Amazon gift card

2nd-5th Place: $10 Starbucks gift card

Overview:

In their first game of the 2016-17 NBA season the San Antonio Spurs will be on the road to take on the Golden State Warriors.  The game will be played on Tuesday, October, 25^th at 10:30 P.M. Eastern Time.

The Crowd:  

“The Crowd” is projecting a final score of Warriors 106.3 – Spurs 98.0 with an over/under of 192.8.  The Vegas Line has a final score of Warriors 110.0 – Spurs 101.0 with an over/under of 211.0.

Statistics (2015-16 season):

Point differential: Warriors +10.8 (1^st) > Spurs +10.6 (2^nd)

Points per game: Warriors 114.9 (1^st) > Spurs 103.5 (10^th)

Points allowed per game: Spurs 92.9 (1^st) > Warriors 104.1 (19^th)

Field Goal Percentage Offense: Warriors 48.7% (1^st) > Spurs 48.4% (2^nd)

Three Point Percentage: Warriors 41.6% (1^st) > Spurs 37.5% (2^nd)

Free Throw Percentage: Spurs 80.3% (2^nd) > Warriors 76.3% (16^th)

Field Goal Percentage Defense: Warriors 43.5% (3^rd) > Spurs 43.6% (4^th)

Turnovers committed per game: Spurs 12.5 (5^th) > Warriors 14.9 (25^th)

Turnovers forced per game: Spurs 14.3 (tied for 12^th) > Warriors 13.8 (15^th)

Rebounds per game: Warriors 46.2 (4^th) > Spurs 43.9% (tied for 14^th)

Assists per game: Warriors 28.9 (1^st) > Spurs 24.5 (tied for 4^th)

Summary:

Kevin Durant sent shockwaves throughout the sporting world when he announced his decision to sign with the Warriors as an unrestricted free agent.  Durant is undoubtedly one of the three greatest players in the world.  The Warriors will take some time to gel after losing two starters (Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut) and four other rotational players (Festus Ezeli, Leandro Barbosa, Brandon Rush, and Marreese Speights).  The addition of Durant gives them four all-stars in their starting lineup and makes them the team to beat in the NBA this year.

The Spurs said goodbye to the legendary Tim Duncan who retires as arguably the greatest power forward in league history.  San Antonio added another all-star in Pau Gasol who still plays at a high level despite his advanced age.  Gasol, combines with Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge, to give the Spurs the best front court in the NBA.  San Antonio is deep, talented, and have the best coach in the NBA.  They shouldn’t be written off as title contenders this year.  Golden State was practically unbeatable at home last year so I expect them to win the opener on their home floor.

**LISTEN HERE** to the latest edition of “The Berger Shop” podcast, sponsored by The Crowd’s Line.  This week’s episode features an in-depth discussion with VP of Octagon Sports: David Schwab.

Note:

To be eligible to enter a Crowd’s Line contest you must be over 18 years of age, a resident of the United States/Canada, and submit your score prediction on our prediction tool (blog widget). The winner will be selected according to The Crowd’s Line scoring methodology.  If more than one entrant has the same winning score the winner will be selected by random drawing.  Only one prize will be awarded per contest and that winner will receive their prize in 5-7 business days.