To understand why Under should work here there's a need to clear up two misconceptions.

Misconception No. 1: The Spurs aren't a good defensive team without Kawhi Leonard. Not true. They surrendered the fewest points per game in the league were fourth in 3-point defense and fourth in overall defensive efficiency. San Antonio is a disciplined, well-coached team that doesn't mess up its defensive assignments.

Misconception No. 2: The Warriors are all about offense. Even though they won't have injured Stephen Curry, they have tremendous offensive players in Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. This isn't entirely true. Druant, Thompson and especially Green also are very good defensively. Durant averaged the seventh-most blocks per game in the league. Reserve Andre Iguodala is a top-notch defensive player, too.

Golden State mailed in its last four games knowing it wasn't moving in or out of the No. 2 seed. The Warriors are laying in the weeds defensively. Their offense isn't as potent minus Curry. Defense is their winning ticket. Aside from LaMarcus Aldridge, the Spurs lack a consistent scorer. And Green will be watching Aldridge.

These rivals know each other well having met in the Western Conference championship round last season.

Note an early start time, too, which is a plus for the Under.