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Dubs Set for First of Three Consecutive Games Against Lakers

The Warriors head to Los Angeles for their second of four exhibition games against the Los Angeles Lakers

Warriors vs. LakersMonday, October 147:30 p.m.Staples Center

WATCH: NBA TV
LISTEN: 95.7 The Game, Warriors Radio Network

The preseason rematch is set between the Warriors and Lakers as the squad travels down to Los Angeles for the second of their four exhibition games against their Southern California rival. The initial match-up did not go the Warriors’ way as they dropped their first game of the series 123-101. But after a 20-point win over the Minnesota Timberwolves (143-123) fueled by a Stephen Curry 40-point effort, the Dubs look to be back on track.

As the preseason continues for the Dubs, here are a few things to watch while the team plays on Monday night:

Rooks running the Dubs bench
First-round draft pick Jordan Poole has continued his hot shooting from Summer League into the Dubs’ preseason thus far; he dropped 17 points against the Lakers in their first preseason matchup, then followed that up with a 19-point outing against the Timberwolves Thursday. Between the two games, he is shooting at a 43.8% clip from beyond the arc (7-for-16) and has led the Dubs’ bench in scoring in both contests. Dub Nation would be keen to keep an eye on how Head Coach Steve Kerr implements the “Splash Nephew.”

Speaking of Dubs rookies, Eric Paschall has seemingly enjoyed his preseason as well: the former NCAA Champion has posted 11 points and three rebounds in each of the two games. He will look to keep-up the consistency as he walks onto the hardwood at Staples Center.

Options at the Forward and Center spots
The Warriors have started different players at the small forward and center positions in the previous exhibition games, and each responded well in their role. Alfonzo McKinnie (seven points, six rebounds, and one block) and Omari Spellman (six points, nine rebounds) drew the start against the Lakers in their first matchup, while Glenn Robinson III (13 points, five rebounds) and Marquese Chriss (eight points, 11 rebounds, four assists) got the nod against the Timberwolves. Of note thus far has been Chriss’ ability to do a little bit of everything: in 39 minutes between the two games, he has averaged 8.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks.

With big men Kevon Looney, Willie Cauley-Stein and Alen Smailagić sidelined with injuries, the opportunity is there for other bigs to take advantage of some extended playing time. Outside of Curry, D’Angelo Russell and Draymond Green, there remains a lot to be figured out in terms of roles, player rotations and how minutes will be distributed. Perhaps we’ll start to get those answers in these next three preseason games with the Lakers, the first of which is coming up on Monday.