What’s up with the Golden State Warriors?
The Golden State Warriors have been in fine form as they were on a five-game win streak before the Pistons stopped them on Wednesday.
Klay Thompson was looking vintage with 30 points, including a trey that forced overtime. They worked hard to tie the game but were stunned at the buzzer by Saddiq Bey, who drained the game-winning 3 to snatch the win from the Warriors.
Veteran forward Andre Iguodala, who signed a one-year veteran minimum deal over the summer but has been inactive due to a left hip injury, will make his season debut against the Magic. We don’t expect him to play consistent minutes but his presence may be a factor in facing a young team like Orlando.
The Warriors are also hopeful that Andrew Wiggins can return from a 15-game layoff against the Magic.
Despite the two returning players, it’s still going to be a tough one for the team as they will head into the matchup still without their best shooter, Stephen Curry, who’s been sidelined since December 14.
What’s up with the Orlando Magic?
Both ball clubs have actually been experiencing a fair share of absences since their last meeting in November. The Magic are still reeling from the suspensions meted out to some of their players that were involved in the scuffle with the Pistons.
Apart from the suspensions, Bol Bol, Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, and Chuma Okeke are still sidelined due to illnesses and injuries. The shorthanded Magic have been in a rut as they’ve lost four of their last five games, recently falling to the Grizzlies on Thursday.
Expect Paolo Banchero to lead the way for Orlando versus the Warriors. He led the team with 30 points and nine rebounds in their loss to Memphis so it’s safe to say he will continue to carry the offensive load tomorrow. Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. are surely going to be the main guys to help Banchero out on the floor.
Prediction
Orlando hasn’t been able to get anything going lately and they’re still down a couple of bodies. Meanwhile, the Warriors—before the Pistons loss—had a five-game win streak, and the return of Wiggins is probable.
I would have to go with the Warriors since they clearly have the momentum. Not to mention that they’re going to play at the Chase Center where they have been rock-solid all season. Wiggins and the home-court advantage will definitely give them a boost in this matchup so the Dubs might get this job done easily.
Where to watch
You can catch the Warriors and Magic in action live at 9:30 AM on NBA League Pass.
