Stephen Nover's NBA Game of the Week
(NBA) Charlotte vs. San Antonio, 11/03/2017 4:30 PM, Score: 101 - 108
Point Spread: -2.50 | -107.00 San Antonio (Home)
Result: Win
First the bad news. San Antonio has lost four in a row and won't have Kawhi Leonard, its best player.

Now the good news. The Spurs competed well last night. Unfortunately for them they were up against the world champion Warriors, who were on their game. When Golden State is on its game no team can beat them. No team can really stay close either.

The Spurs are extremely tough at home, continue to receive strong play from LaMarcus Aldridge and will be primed to stop the bleeding against Charlotte, a foe they have beaten the past 10 times at home.

San Antonio still has a strong bench despite missing Leonard and Tony Parker. Aldridge was the only Spurs player to log more than 31 minutes last night. Aldridge gives San Antonio the best frontcourt player. He's having a strong season averaging 23.6 points and 8.6 rebounds.

The loss to the Warriors was the first one at home for the Spurs. They are 2-1 at home with victories against Minnesota (107-99) and Toronto (101-97). Both of those teams are at least a level higher than the Hornets.

Charlotte is coming off a 126-121 home win against Milwaukee two nights ago. That was the Hornets' worst defensive game of the year. They are 1-5 ATS in their last six road games.

The Hornets are a borderline playoff team in the much weaker Eastern Conference. I don't see them hanging close to the Spurs, who are in full stop-the-pain mode.