The NBA is back, and last year’s runner-up the Golden State Warriors are looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking finals loss as they host the San Antonio Spurs on opening day. Catch all the live scores and action on The Roar from 1:30pm (AEDT).
Despite the finals series loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, the Warriors are still coming into the new campaign as the hot favourites to win their second NBA title in three years.
A star-studded line-up headed by two-time reigning MVP Steph Curry and new signing Kevin Durant is one of the most keenly anticipated squads across both conferences.
Topped up by three-point machine Klay Thompson and big man Draymond Green, and there is one mean task ahead of the Spurs.
Zaza Pachulia is another experienced head to come into the side during the offseason, making his first appearance for the Warriors in an NBA career that started nearly 15 years ago.
The 32-year old from Georgia will be going a long way to filling the gap left by the departed Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut.
We mustn’t forget that the Spurs finished second in the west last year, comfortably ahead of the rest of the pack to sit in behind the record-breaking Warriors.
They pose one of the biggest threats to the Warriors tilt at the title, and certainly the most challenging force in the Western conference.
The arrival of Spanish veteran Pau Gasol has boosted a side that looked to have been limping a touch through the pre-season, especially after the retirement of franchise legend Tim Duncan.
Despite beating the Warriors just once last season, which is a mean feat in itself, the Spurs have actually won seven of their last ten encounters with Golden State, proving to be one of the few teams able to match the powerhouse.
It’s an exciting time for both sides at very different stages in their history.
There’s no reason why the Warriors can’t play just as well as last season and even have a crack at their own season win-loss record, although a championship tilt and resting players will probably prevent them from doing so.
San Antonio is arguably their biggest threat this season, and despite losing the experience of Duncan, they have a hugely skilled side that can cause damage all over the court.
Prediction
These two sides may be at war all season for the top of the Western Conference, but to play your first game on the road at Oakland is a task beyond the reach of pretty much every team in the league.
While it shouldn’t be a blowout, the Spurs need to be careful they don’t lose touch with the contest in the final quarter.
Golden State by 6
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this opening day match from 1:30pm (AEDT).
Scott Pryde
Expert
I could have lived with someone tipping the Spurs - but by 30...
Connor Bennett
Editor
If anyone picked that result, they either fixed the game or they're lying straight to your face.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Connor Bennett
Editor
SAN ANTONIO SPURS WIN BY 29
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well....
Connor Bennett
Editor
FULLTIME Wow... What a huge win for the Spurs against one of the favourites for the title this season. San Antonio came to Oakland and just completely blew Golden State off the court in front of their home fans on opening night. The Warriors offence wasn't bad, still hitting three figures, but their defence was just no match for the Spurs attacking flair. They were able to score when they shouldn't have, racking up 30+ points in every quarter of the game. Kawhi Leonard hit a career-high 35 points, with Kevin Durant the best for the Warriors with 27 in new colours. Warriors – 100 Spurs – 129
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Davis Bertans hits three!! No one was paying attention to him, and he just decides to release it from outside the arc and finds the basket. Warriors – 100 Spurs – 127
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' JaVale McGee lays it up through traffic, busting through a pair of defenders to get the basket and win the extra free throw. It's no good from the line, but the Warriors hit triple figures on the scoreboard. Warriors – 100 Spurs – 124
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Ian Clark sinks one of two free throws for the Warriors, and the Spurs once again just gingerly walk it up the court without a worry in the world. Warriors – 98 Spurs – 120
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Pat McCaw with the steal and breaking jump shot. The young man making some early marks on what is expected to be a long NBA career. Warriors – 97 Spurs – 120
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' San Antonio happy to play time now with the clock winding down. They're in no rush in offence at the moment, making sure to drive down the shot clock as far as they can. Warriors – 95 Spurs – 120
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Durant at the free throw line, nailing the first... and the second. Warriors – 95 Spurs – 120
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Durant keeping the energy high for Golden State, driving into the paint and laying up off the glass. But Kyle Anderson hits back for the Spurs with a three from outside the arc!! Warriors – 93 Spurs – 120
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' TONY PARKER WITH THREE!! Warriors again defending well, but the Spurs are just finding a way to score every time. Warriors – 91 Spurs – 115
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Everything is coming off for Simmons. Thompson was piling on the defensive pressure, pushing him over as he took the shot. The ball rolled in and Simmons will get a chance at the line thanks to the Thompson foul. No good from the line though. Warriors – 87 Spurs – 110
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Good D from the Warriors and they take it up the other end of the court for Klay Thompson... who finds all the space in the world through the middle, driving in under the basket and laying it up for two more. Warriors – 87 Spurs – 110
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Durant uses his big frame to bump off the defence in Aldridge, hitting the floating jump shot in close and winning the foul to top it off. Makes no mistakes from the line for the and one. Warriors – 85 Spurs – 110
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Leonard moves up to a career-high 35 points with more free throws. He's been near impossible to stop all over the court tonight. Warriors – 82 Spurs – 110
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Mills with another three!! He's been quietly the best bench man in the game tonight. The Warriors are beginning to give up on the court and it's showing in the body language. Warriors – 82 Spurs – 107
Connor Bennett
Editor
Q4' Foul for the Warriors. Varejao was all but tackled by David Lee under the basket and he will take the free throws. Misses the first, but good on the second. Warriors – 82 Spurs – 102