The Warriors tip off their three-game homestand with a matchup against the visiting New York Knicks on Thursday night.
Warriors vs. KnicksThursday, Dec. 157:30 p.m.Oracle Arena
TV: CSN Bay Area
RADIO: 95.7 The Game, Warriors Radio Network
HOME SWEET HOME
After going 4-1 on their season-long five-game road trip, the Warriors return home for the first of three consecutive games at Oracle Arena, beginning with a matchup against the visiting New York Knicks on Thursday night. This will be the first of two meetings between the two teams, as well as the Knicks lone trip to the Bay Area this regular season. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and all fans in attendance will receive a Warriors Splash Towel, courtesy of State Farm. Watch the action on CSN Bay Area, or listen to the call on 95.7 The Game or on the Warriors Radio Network.
LAST TIME OUT
Draymond Green recorded a triple-double and came up with another crucial defensive play in the final seconds as the Warriors beat the Pelicans on Tuesday. Full Recap
MATCHUP AT A GLANCE
GSW
22-4
1st in West
117.8 PPG (1st)
44.3 RPG (12th)
31.0 APG (1st)
NYK
14-11
3rd in East
105.0 PPG (11th)
45.8 RPG (5th)
22.2 APG (T-12th)
PROJECTED STARTERS
GSW: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Zaza Pachulia
NYK: Derrick Rose, Courtney Lee, Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis and Joakim Noah
INJURY & ROSTER NOTES
GSW: Zaza Pachulia (right wrist contusion) is doubtful. Team Notes
NYK: Derrick Rose (sore lower back) is questionable. Team Notes
MUSICAL CHAIRS
Zaza Pachulia has missed the last three games due to a wrist contusion, and each time, Steve Kerr chose a different big man from his roster to fill the void in his starting lineup. Anderson Varejao started at center against the Grizzlies before Kevon Looney did so against the Timberwolves the following night, and then on Tuesday, it was JaVale McGee’s turn against the Pelicans. Each of those three players brings a different type of skill set to the table, and were deployed depending on the matchup issues the opposition presented. Pachulia is listed as doubtful for Thursday’s contest, and if he were indeed to miss another game, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will start at center against the Knicks. Despite winning two of the three games, Golden State has definitely missed Pachulia’s presence and production, and will be elated to get him back in the lineup, whenever that may be. Still, it’s a positive sign for the Warriors to have so many different viable options among their big man reserves, which should continue to pay off big time throughout the remainder of the season as fatigue and injuries build up across the league.
TEAM LEADERS
GSW
PTS: Durant (25.9)
REB: Green (8.4)
AST: Green (7.1)
NYK
PTS: Anthony (22.0)
REB: Noah (7.8)
AST: Jennings (5.2)
NEW YORK SCOUTING REPORT
The Knicks entered the season riding a four-year playoff drought, but given the way they’ve begun the 2016-17 campaign, that could all be coming to an end fairly soon. New York sits at 14-11 on the season, currently the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. They’ve been playing their best basketball of the season as of late, having won six of seven contests before falling in overtime to the Suns on Tuesday. While not a terrific defensive team, ranking in the bottom third of the league in defensive rating, New York possesses a bevy of offensive talents, including the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzings and Derrick Rose. That’s enough firepower to give any team concern, and Golden State will need to limit their effectiveness if they hope to open up their three-game homestand on a winning note.