The Golden State Warriors (68-7) are on the march to 73 wins and the NBA record for most wins in a single season. Their next opponent is the Boston Celtics (43-32), a team fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. A win would give the Warriors the second-most in NBA history, tying the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls and 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers.
But Boston won't be a pushover and the Celtics took the Warriors to double-overtime in their only matchup earlier this season. The Warriors won that game, and will benefit from the Celtics playing in a back-to-back. So who will come out on top in this key matchup? Here's our preview and prediction for Warriors vs. Celtics.
Game Info:
When: 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
TV: ESPN
Spread: Warriors by 11.5
O/U: 222
Playoff/Record Update:
The Warriors are still chasing the NBA record for most wins in a single season and have won six straight, although several of the games have been close. The Warriors are likely glad they are back at home for four games. Golden State has clinched a playoff spot, although the Spurs are still technically in the race for the No. 1. While Golden State wants home court advantage, they really want the NBA single-season win record.
As for the Celtics, they hold the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. They are just a half game back of the No. 4 seed and 1.5 games back of the No. 3 seed. Boston hasn't clinched a spot yet, holding a three-game lead over the No. 7 seed, a four-game lead over the No. 8 seed and a five-game lead over the first team out. While the Celtics should clinch a playoff spot soon, losing two straight games entering tonight's action has not helped.
Key To The Game:
For Boston, it's all about how the team responds to play a back-to-back. The Celtics were in Portland last night, lost and now have to play Golden State on the road. That's far from an easy task, especially since the Warriors have yet to lose at home this season. As for Golden State, they need to play like they do at home. That means using great passing to set up open looks for players and to hit their 3-point shots. When the Warriors are hitting their 3-pointers, they're almost unbeatable.
What They're Saying About The Golden State Warriors:
Kerr Named Western Conference Coach Of The Month (CSN Bay Area)
Andre Iguodala Says He'll Be Healthy For Playoffs (Chat Sports)
Owner Joe Lacob Says Warriors Are "Light Years" Ahead Of Competition (SF Gate)
What They're Saying About The Boston Celtics:
Celtics Should Trade For Jimmy Butler, Not D'Angelo Russell (FanSided)
Boston Welcomes Back Jae Crowder From Injury (ESPN)
The Numbers Behind Isaiah Thomas' Dominant Month (CelticsBlog)
Prediction: Warriors win 116-106
The Warriors are the more rested and more talented team. The Celtics have played well this season, but the Warriors are a perfect 36-0 at home this season for a reason. Boston is a solid team, and they'll put up a fight against Golden State. But Warriors are on a mission to reach at least 73 wins, and the Celtics won't stand in their way.