Warriors-Raptors Preview - 1/2/15

The Warriors play their first game of 2015 tonight at Oracle Arena against the Toronto Raptors.

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Warriors - Raptors Preview

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
The Warriors open up the New Year with a huge matchup against the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Both teams enter the contest atop the standings in their respective conferences, so plenty will be on the line when it comes to inter-conference pride. This will be the first of two matchups between the two teams this season, after they split the season series a year ago. Golden State has won nine-straight home games against the Raptors, a streak they’ll look continue on Friday night. Watch the action on CSN Bay Area, or listen to the call on KNBR 680.

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LAST TIME OUT
The Warriors continued their strong play in their final game of 2014 with a 126-86 win over the visiting 76ers on Tuesday. Golden State leaped out to a 15-point lead after one quarter and never looked back, outscoring Philadelphia by an average of 10 points per frame. Marreese Speights was efficient in his 24 minutes, scoring a game-high 23 points on 9-for-13 shooting. Stephen Curry scored 13 and dished a game-high nine assists in 27 minutes of action. After not playing in the first half, Leandro Barbosa went on to score 17 points after the intermission. Full Game Recap

GSW: Festus Ezeli (mild left ankle sprain) and Andrew Bogut (right knee chondromalacia/bone edema) are out. Team Notes

TOR: DeMar DeRozan (Torn left adductor longus tendon) is out. Landry Fields (concussion) is questionable. Team Notes

PREMIUM POINTSIt comes as no surprise that the leaders of the Western and Eastern Conferences are themselves led by a pair of standout point guards. While Stephen Curry continues to assert himself as one of the top players in the NBA, Toronto’s Kyle Lowry is making sure he’s not forgotten when it comes to the top point guards in the league. Both players are certainly in the discussion for early MVP candidates, and both teams take on the style of their individual leaders. The Dubs have a tendency towards the flashy and spectacular, while the Raptors exhibit Lowry’s hard-nosed effort and tenacity. While both are great players, it’s quite possible that whichever point guard wins the positional matchup will end up on the victorious side.

MEN OF STEALPerhaps the biggest disparity between these two great teams comes on the defensive end, where Golden State (96.2) leads the league in team defensive rating, while Toronto (103.9) ranks 16th. The Warriors have even been stepping it up lately, particularly when it comes to their penchant for getting steals. With a season-high 19 steals in Tuesday’s victory over Philadelphia, the Dubs have posted at least 17 steals in back-to-back games for the first time since 1975. With long, versatile defenders like Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Draymond Green, Shaun Livingston and Justin Holiday, the Warriors have the ability to switch in nearly every defensive situation, an uncommon trait that often throws off their opponent. Toronto is one of the premiere offensive teams in the NBA, so while 17 steals may be too much to ask, if the Warriors can approach something close to that number, they should be in good shape.

TORONTO SCOUTING REPORTThe Raptors have quietly taken the league by storm this season, carrying their playoff momentum from a year ago on their way to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Despite a major injury to arguably their best player in DeMar DeRozan, Toronto has used their teamwork mentality to weather the storm. In fact, discounting their overtime loss to the Blazers on Tuesday, the Raptors had averaged 114 points per 100 possessions in the 15 games since DeRozan’s injury, placing them now second in the league in team offensive rating on the season. Terrence Ross has stepped up in DeRozan’s absence, and with the evolution of players like Lowry and talented center Jonas Valanciunas, it’s no wonder why Toronto brings a 9-3 record against the tough Western Conference into Friday’s matchup against the Warriors. The Raptors are as good as any team the Dubs have faced so far this season, so Friday’s game can serve as a measuring stick for how the Warriors rank among the NBA’s elite.

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Arena Info

The Oracle Arena culinary team is excited to welcome fans this season with a brand new menu featuring unparalleled variety and showcasing some of the best Bay Area eats. Courtesy of Executive Chef Tim Radack and team, fans will enjoy a signature selection of new dishes and reimagined gameday favorites.

For a complete, interactive guide on where to find all of our food and concessions within the arena, download the Warriors Mobile App and visit the "At The Game" section.

Oracle Arena parking lots open two hours prior to tip-off (Example- 5:30 PM for a 7:30 PM start). Parking prices are $30 for cars and $50 for limousines and buses. You can now pre-pay your parking for individual games and get access to the new express entry lanes. Learn More »

ADA accessible parking is located in the first two rows of the parking lot, closest to Oracle Arena. Parking spaces accommodating vans are also available. To gain access to accessible parking, proper vehicle registration is required as well as a current disabled placard with a matching identification card. Guests wishing to be dropped off for Warrior games at Oracle Arena should be dropped off at the Main Gate on 66th Avenue.

View Interactive Oracle Arena Parking Map

Download the brand new version of the Golden State Warriors Official Mobile App for iPhone, iPad and Android devices. Stay connected at the game, or wherever you go, and get live stats, news and videos. Enhance your gameday experience at Oracle Arena by upgrading your seats, viewing our interactive arena map, checking live traffic and much more. Plus, be on the lookout for exclusive notifications with free giveaways, merchandise discounts and much more!

Assistive Listening Devices are available at the First Aid station located on the main concourse behind section 106.

Automatic Teller Machines are located on the main concourse outside section 110, 128 and on the upper concourse at section 221. An ATM is also located within the Stella Artois Club.

Bicycle racks are located at the north flagpole adjacent to parking Lot F.

Oracle Arena's box office hours are:

Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Weekends and Holidays (on non-event days)

BMW Club ticket holders have unlimited access to the BMW Club before, during, and after all Warrior home games. The BMW Club opens 90 minutes prior to each game and remains open one hour following its conclusion. Located on the Event Level, the BMW Club offers a spacious social area, an upscale dining environment, lounge and flat screen TV's. Post-game access is restricted to guests over 21 years of age. BMW Club Ticket holders wishing to eat dinner in the restaurant are encouraged to make a reservation by calling (510) 383-4840. Reservations are accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Complete first aid services are available on the main concourse behind section 106 for fans who require medical attention from licensed staff.

This program will help provide a fast resolution to any game day problems that occur inside Oracle Arena. Examples of issues that should be resolved using our texting service include but are not limited to:

Text an issue to 510-500-8787

Lost and Found articles can be redeemed from the AEG table outside of Section 127 on the main concourse until all guest areas are closed after each home game. All unclaimed lost and found items are stored for 30 days. To contact lost and found, please call (510) 383-4660.

To report an incident to Oracle Arena Security, please use the In Seat texting service (instructions above) or contact the nearest usher or guest services representative.

Surprise that special person in your life with a personalized scoreboard message at a Warriors home game! For just $250, you may wish a happy birthday, celebrate a special occasion, welcome a loved one to a game, and even propose marriage! Score big with family and friends, while also making a tax deductible contribution to benefit Bay Area youth through the Golden State Warriors Community Foundation. A limited number of scoreboard messages are available each game so reserve your space today. All scoreboard messages must be received by 12 p.m. three (3) business days prior to the game requested. All messages will appear between the start of halftime and the end of the fourth quarter. To reserve your Warriors Scoreboard message, simply complete the order form on this page.

All ticket holders have the opportunity to upgrade their seats on game day, pending availability. All day of game seat upgrade requests can be taken at our Customer Assistance window beginning 2 hours prior to tip off. The Customer Assistance window is located at the Oracle Arena box office, windows one and two. In addition, once inside Oracle Arena you also have the opportunity to upgrade your seats via the Warriors App on your smart phone.

Click here for an interactive 3-D seating map of Oracle Arena.

Warriors Ticket Sales Representatives are able to assist all fans on game days outside of Sections 107, 121, 128 and 202.

The "Will Call" windows open two hours prior to tip-off of each home game. The "Will Call" windows are located at the Oracle Arena Box Office on the East side of Oracle Arena. Picture identification is required to pick up any tickets. Will Call does not have a phone number; it is only a drop off and pick up point for day of game tickets.

Complimentary Wifi is available to all guests entering Oracle Arena.

Arena Policies

Beverages and/or food of any kind may not be brought into Oracle Arena. Alcoholic beverages are available at concession stands, beverage carts and clubs throughout Oracle Arena.

Trained guide dogs or other service animals assisting guests with disabilities are permitted inside the stadium. All other animals are prohibited.

The Warriors and Oracle Arena staff are committed to ensuring a safe and fun environment for all fans. AS A SECURITY MEASURE, COOLERS, BACKPACKS AND OTHER LARGE BAGS ARE NOT ALLOWED INTO Oracle Arena. Bags permited must be smaller than 14" x 14" x 6" in size. Oracle Arena will deny entry into the facility to those who carry any of the items large than this size until they are stored elsewhere by the ticket holder. The Warriors or Oracle Arena will not assume the responsibility for the storage of any of these items.

Bag Check opens at the same time doors open and closes 30min After the game. Any items not claimed will be sent to Lost and Found for a maximum of 30 days. Oracle Arena, O.co Coliseum, and their agents are not liable for any damage to items left at Bag Check. We will not accept or check items of unusual value or those exceeding $100.

Cameras with lenses less than 3 inches in length are permitted, but the use of a flash is not allowed. All types of video and audio equipment are not permitted in Oracle Arena.

A ticket is required for all children 24 months and older. Children under 24 months are complimentary and are allowed to sit in the lap of an adult with any general admission ticket.

Oracle Arena opens 90 minutes prior to tip-off for all home games (Example: 6:00 PM. for a 7:30 PM start).

All ticket holders can enter Oracle Arena through our East, North or South Main Entrances. Sideline Club ticket holders may also enter through the Plaza Entrance next to the Oracle Arena Box Office and Warriors Team Store. Courtside Club, VIP Floor and Suite holders may also enter through the VIP Valet Lot entrance, E or F Lot entrances. Use our interactive parking map for complete details.

Food and/or beverages of any kind may not be brought into Oracle Arena.

The Golden State Warriors strive to provide an entertaining and safe environment for all of our patrons. Fans who are found guilty of public intoxication, using offensive language, throwing objects or any other behavior deemed by Warriors or Arena Guest Services Representatives as disruptive or dangerous in nature are subject to ejection from Oracle Arena. The Warriors also adhere to the NBA Fan Code of Conduct, which sets forth expected standards of decorum for all fans attending NBA games.

A warning card with the following printed language must be given by an arena security representative to any fan who has engaged in excessive verbal abuse of a player, coach, game official or another fan:

"You are being issued a warning that the comments, gestures and/or behaviors that you have directed at players, coaches, game officials and or/ other spectators constitute excessive verbal abuse and are in violation of the NBA Fan Code of Conduct. This is the first and only warning that you will receive. If, after receiving this warning, you verbally abuse any player, coach, game official or spectator, you will be immediately ejected from Oracle Arena without refund".

The following items are prohibited from Oracle Arena. All items are subject to search:

The following items are prohibited from the Oracle Arena Parking Lot:

Oracle Arena reserves the right to exclude any additional items that are not specifically mentioned in the list above. All small bags are permitted, but will be searched. All guests are subject to search upon entering Oracle Arena.

No re-entry is permitted after you have exited Oracle Arena turnstiles.

Signs, flags and banners less than 11" x 17" are permitted inside Oracle Arena, as long as the information contained on them is not politically, religiously, or commercially motivated and do not carry obscene messages. Warriors and Arena Guest Services Representatives reserve the right to ask any fan to remove a sign or banner from Oracle Arena.

No smoking of any kind is permitted in Oracle Arena. Patrons who fail to comply with this policy may be subject to ejection from Oracle Arena.

Wheelchairs are permitted at Oracle Arena. During Warrior games at Oracle Arena, the disabled drop-off and pick-up area is located on the north and south ramps leading up to the Plaza, which is the area between the Coliseum and Oracle Arena where the Box Office is located. Oracle Arena also offers accessible parking, which is located in the first two rows of the parking lot, closest to Oracle Arena. Spaces are limited. Additionally, there are three elevators at Oracle Arena which are ADA accessible. The first is located on the west side near section 114; the other two are located on the east side near section 101. Guests requiring the use of a wheelchair can sit in either their wheelchair or an actual Arena seat. Guests opting not to sit in their wheelchairs can store their wheelchairs in the handicap bay located behind their section.

Parking & Directions

Located off Interstate 880 in Oakland, Oracle Arena can be accessed in a variety of ways. View our interactive parking map, and get complete details on directions, pricing and public transportation below.

You can now prepay your parking for individual games at a discounted rate ($25 instead of $30 at the gate) and get access to the new express entry lanes!

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Note: VIP, Club and Luxury Suite Parking Lots are for pre-paid parking only

Fans attending Warriors games can take BART right to Oracle Arena. Use the Coliseum/Oakland Airport Station exit. For more information on BART or to view schedules click here.

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Check in on Facebook to 'Golden State Warriors Home Game' each time you come to a game and take advantage of our Facebook Check-In Deal of the Night.

Recent deals have included postgame player Q&As, free throw contests on the court, and even the chance to take a photo with Jerry West.

Whether you're at the game or watching from home, show us what Warriors Ground looks like by tagging your photos on Twitter and Instagram with #WarriorsGround.

The best ones will be featured on our Instagram Wall inside the arena, on our scoreboard, and even on warriors.com.

During each home game, we feature all the best fan tweets on our scoreboard. Use #LetsGoWarriors, #WarriorsGround or #DubNation and see if your tweets are featured.

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The new Express Entry Lanes are reserved for Prepaid Parking Passes, giving those who pay ahead a way to save money and time. Parking Passes must be purchased at least 3.5 hours before tip-off and are game specific

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