The Golden State Warriors (39-8) visit the Atlanta Hawks (41-9) on Friday evening in what might be the biggest game of the season so far...but in typical NBA fashion, it won't be nationally televised.
The Warriors are still riding the momentum from Stephen Curry's stunning 51-point performance in Wednesday's win over the Dallas Mavericks, but the Hawks certainly aren't intimidated. While their winning streak ended at 19 in New Orleans on Monday, they bounced back with a 105-96 win over Eastern Conference contender Washington on Wednesday.
Vital Stats
Where? Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA
When? 7:30 PM ET
What Channel? TSOH (Here's a list of places where you can watch online)
Previous Meetings: N/A, first meeting of the season
What To Watch For
Can the Hawks keep both Splash Brothers quiet?
In recent weeks, trying to lock down Golden State's backcourt hasn't been easy. The Kings managed to keep Steph Curry quiet a few weeks ago...but then Klay Thompson torched them for an NBA-record 37 points in the third quarter. Dallas held Klay to 7-17 shooting on Wednesday, only for Curry to go off for 51. For the Hawks to win, they'll need to find a way to limit them both.
Can the Warriors stop Atlanta's big men?
One of Golden State's few weaknesses: they've occasionally struggled against physical teams with a major inside presence, and the Al Horford-Paul Millsap tag team will give them everything they can handle. Having 6'8 SF DeMarre Carroll on the floor will also present a matchup problem, since Andrew Bogut and Draymond Green are the Warriors' only real defensive bigs. If the Hawks can get Bogut in foul trouble and force Golden State to play Marreese Speights at center, the Warriors will be in trouble.
Prediction: Golden State wins, 118-113
The Warriors have risen to the occasion in their biggest games this year - they're 7-1 against the top 4 squads in the East and the West. Atlanta is a very good basketball team and has a very real chance at winning this one, but we just can't pick against the Warriors while they're in such scintillating form. With any luck, we'll have a seven-game series this Summer to help settle the debate.
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