Looking at tomorrow’s slate of games, it’s easy to get excited about the Golden State Warriors taking on the Milwaukee Bucks.
The storyline is written in fine print with the Warriors getting back to full strength as Klay Thompson’s revenge tour continues. They face a Milwaukee team defending the very thing that they covet: the NBA title. The reigning champs will host the Warriors, 8:30 AM on One Sports.
All the signs point toward the Warriors’ return to their golden years and their 30-10 record speaks volumes. Steph Curry is having an MVP year. Draymond Green, though he is doubtful for Friday’s game because of a calf injury, is making another run for Defensive Player of the Year. The aforementioned Thompson is still getting his legs under him, but he looked steady in his first two games back. The trio of Curry, Green, and Thompson brings familiar faces to the franchise that has won three titles in the last decade.
The Warriors also boast of a solid mix of young and experienced players who can potentially make a significant impact in the playoffs. From Jordan Poole, Nemanja Bjelica, Otto Porter Jr., Damion Lee, Gary Payton II, and Juan Toscano-Anderson, they have strong complimentary pieces. Add veteran Andre Igoudala and head coach Steve Kerr, the old band is still here and making some pretty good music.
On the other hand, the Bucks are still formidable even though they are not at the top of the Eastern Conference. They own a 26-17 win-loss card, three games behind the leader Chicago Bulls. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the best players in the league as he continues to put up gaudy numbers.
A matchup between the Warriors and the Bucks provides all kinds of drama and intrigue. You know either one of these teams can make a deep playoff run. Will we see Milwaukee or Golden State hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy by season’s end? This midseason meeting should be telling of what can happen later on in the year.
As much as Curry and Giannis provide a juicy, must-see tussle, there is an undeniable pull from another game. Owners of 10 straight wins, the Memphis Grizzlies host the Minnesota Timberwolves at 9:00 AM on NBA TV Philippines via Smart GigaPlay app.
The Grizzlies are the hottest ticket in town led by their dynamic and superstar–in-the-making Ja Morant. The former Rookie of the Year is coming into his own in his third season. Every game provides a chance for him to do something out-of-the-box and extraordinary. Take his two-handed block against the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this week. Or his daredevil dagger layup to put away the Warriors in his next game. Or a number of his above-the-rim plays. He is a walking highlight reel.
The Grizzlies are one of the toughest teams to beat because of their composition and style. They’re scrappy on the defensive end and they get on the break with such determination and force that make opponents scramble to keep up. Desmond Bane is a bonafide shooter. Jaren Jackson Jr. has morphed into a versatile big man. Tyus Jones is fearless. Brandon Clarke and Ziaire Williams provide length and hustle. And the list goes on. Memphis is a deep team that’s making big splashes in the West.
On the flip side, you know Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and the rest of the T-Wolves won’t be pushovers. They want to spoil Memphis’ fun and shut down Morant. They don’t want to be No. 11 on the Grizzlies’ win streak.
