The Golden State Warriors (26-1) have won two straight after watching their 24-game win streak to start the 2015-16 NBA season get snapped by the Milwaukee Bucks, including a 121-112 revenge victory over the Bucks in Oakland this past Friday. Well rested after a four-day holiday layoff, the Warriors return to action tonight against the Utah Jazz (12-14) at Oracle Arena. Here's our game preview & prediction
Game Info:
When: 10:30 p.m. EST
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA
TV: CSN Bay Area (Warriors local), ROOT Sports (Jazz local)
Spread: Warriors By 14
What's At Stake:
The Warriors want to avoid a huge letdown before their NBA Finals rematch with the Cleveland Cavs on Christmas Day. The young Utah Jazz will look to cement themselves as a legit playoff contender with a banner win against a proven Western Conference behemoth.
What They're Saying About The Utah Jazz:
Jazz looking for road upset of the Warriors
Is Gordon Hayward a legit first option?
Jazz offense is improving, but is it enough?
What They're Saying About The Golden State Warriors:
Draymond Green distributes off the court as well
Steve Kerr says Luke Walton is "destined" to be a head coach
Stephen Curry goes "soda free"
Key To The Game:
Can the Jazz make the next step? They haven't been able to put together a three-game winning streak all year, and to do so tonight they'll have to break Golden State's 30-game home winning streak. Gordon Hayward has scored 50 combined points during Utah's current two-game winning stretch, backing up big-time efforts by the defense in wins over Denver and Phoenix. Utah held the Nuggets and Suns to just 39.2 percent shooting and 25% accuracy from three. If the Jazz are going to have any chance in this one, they'll need to use their length on the perimeter to disrupt Golden State's jump shooters and force them to work in the half court rather than stopping-and-popping in transition.
Prediction: Warriors Win 114-106
This is a classic trap game, and we expect Utah to come out like gangbusters to prove themselves in a huge spotlight contest. Golden State has plenty in the tank after a four-day break, however, and should come to life like they always do in the clutch. Expect another Draymond Green all-around show and another big second-half stretch by Stephen Curry.
The Jazz will cover, but Golden State will pull away late.
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