Big Game Preview: Golden State Warriors vs San Antonio Spurs

X-Factor

Draymond Green

Golden State Warriors - Draymond Green

Draymond Green is part of the Warriors' core that has been to three straight NBA Finals, which can be mentally and physically taxing. Often times this year, the behavior, play, demeanor and mentality of Green has determined how the Warriors play this season. His playmaking from the forward/center spot is key to how the team functions and what's more vital is his shot-making. It's not a great number and it's also a small sample size but when he makes around 25% of his shots or more, the Warriors win. Against the Rockets on opening night, he shot 33.3% from the field but missed the fourth quarter due to knee issues.

San Antonio Spurs - Their starting line-up

Again missing Kawhi Leonard impacts this category as well. In their recent losses, the Spurs' starting line-up has just not shown up. In fact, in some of these games, more than a couple of reserves have had a better outing than few from the starting five. LaMarcus Aldridge is a star so he can't be an X-factor but he's got to show up every game. There's no room for an off-day as the team funnels and runs its offense through him as much as possible.