The Golden State Warriors (36-6) host the Chicago Bulls (29-17) Tuesday night at Oracle Arena in what should be a very interesting clash of styles.
Stephen Curry and the Warriors play at the NBA's fastest pace and average more points per game than any other team, while the Bulls play at the 22nd-fastest pace and average about ten fewer points per contest. The Bulls are going through a bit of a rough patch at the moment, with a 4-7 record over their last eleven games, while the Warriors are riding a five-game winning streak and are undefeated in their last 19 home matchups.
Vital Stats
Where? ORACLE Arena, Oakland, CA
When? 7:30 PM PT
What Channel? NBATV
Previous Meetings: Golden State won the only previous matchup this season, beating Chicago 112-102 at the United Center.
What To Watch For
Can Klay Thompson stay hot?
The NBA's reigning player of the week is still riding the momentum from his record-setting performance against the Sacramento Kings last Friday - Thompson scored 37 points in a blistering third quarter that turned a surprisingly close game into a blowout. He followed that up with 31 points in 32 minutes against the Boston Celtics on Sunday, and his averages over his last five games - 31.8 points on .570 shooting from the field and .558 shooting from behind the line - should definitely have Tom Thibodeau and the Bulls' attention. With such a talented supporting cast (including MVP candidate Stephen Curry) it'll be interesting to see if Klay continues to roll on offense, or if he uses that new-found attention to set up his teammates instead.
Can Chicago stop the bleeding?
The Bulls kick off a six-game West Coast road trip in Golden State, and a win would be absolutely huge for their momentum. Jimmy Butler is questionable with an illness (he'll be a game-time decision), so Chicago might have to face the NBA's best team without their best player up to this point in the season. With their next three games all nationally televised, the Bulls don't want to start this trip with a demoralizing loss.
Prediction: Warriors win, 109-102
Golden State hasn't lost at home since November 11, and it doesn't make much sense to bet on a struggling Chicago team - one that might be without Jimmy Butler - ending that streak. Chicago is a strong, physical squad that actually matches up with the Warriors well, but that won't be enough with Golden State in such dominant form. Look for a big game from Steph Curry (he's overdue, and Butler will be guarding Thompson if he's healthy enough to play), but Pau Gasol should also have a solid night as well. The Warriors frontcourt is occasionally vulnerable to finesse players, and Pau's unique skillset has traditionally given them trouble - they're one of three NBA teams he averages 20 and 10 against.
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