The Golden State Warriors will try to even their Western Conference Semifinals series with the San Antonio Spurs at 2-2 on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET in Oakland, with live coverage on ABC.
NBA Playoffs 2013, Spurs vs. Warriors Game 4: Time, TV schedule, odds and more
There are plenty of storylines entering Game 4 of the Spurs-Warriors series, but none are more important than the health of the two star point guards.
The Spurs are coming off a 10-point win in Game 3 to retake homecourt advantage from the Warriors. Here are three key questions for both teams entering Game 4:
1. Who is healthier, Stephen Curry or Tony Parker?
Tony Parker (calf bruise) and Stephen Curry (ankle) were both injured in Game 3 on Friday. Parker’s injury seems less serious, as he made a pregame statement that he’d start Sunday, while Curry wasn’t sure if he’d be able to play. That, combined with the fact that debilitating ankle injuries have plagued Curry throughout his career, makes his injury far more worrisome than Parker’s.
If Curry isn't able to play or isn't able to handle his normal workload, the Warriors will need a big game from backup Jarrett Jack. Jack was one of the league's top sixth men in the regular season, but he's shot just 13-for-34 in three games this series.
2. Can the Spurs replicate their defensive performance from Game 3?
Parker had a big game, but the Spurs were able to retake homecourt advantage in Game 3 because their defense showed up. The Spurs limited the Warriors to just 39 percent shooting, including a 12-for-37 combined performance from Curry and Klay Thompson, who the Spurs hadn't matched up with well in the first two games.
The Spurs were helped by their ability to draw fouls on Andrew Bogut. Bogut picked up five fouls in the game and was limited to 27 minutes. He’s been a difficult matchup for San Antonio inside, so keeping him off the court and less aggressive helped the Spurs offensively and defensively.
3. Can Golden State’s fans hold up their end?
ORACLE Arena has developed a well-deserved reputation as one of the toughest buildings in the league to play in. The Spurs are in position to win two straight playoff games there despite the loud and frenzied atmosphere. With Curry hobbled, the Warriors need their home fans at their loudest to avoid going back to San Antonio to play an elimination game.
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