The Golden State Warriors have already clinched the top seed in the Western Conference, but they still want to post the best record in the entire league and clinch home court advantage throughout the postseason. The Dallas Mavericks have slid all the way to the No. 7 seed in the West, and they're trying to work their way back up the standings.
Projected Starting Lineups
Golden State Warriors (62-13)
G Stephen Curry – 23.8 ppg, 7.8 apg, 2.1 spg
G Klay Thompson – 21.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg
F Harrison Barnes – 10.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg
F Draymond Green – 11.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg
C Andrew Bogut – 6.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg
Dallas Mavericks (46-30)
G Rajon Rondo –9.2 ppg, 6.5 apg
G Monta Ellis – 18.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg
F Richard Jefferson – 5.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg
F Dirk Nowitzki – 17.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg
C Tyson Chandler – 10.0 ppg, 11.3 rpg
What to watch for:
How will Dallas play without Chandler Parsons?
Parsons will miss tonight's game with a shin injury, leaving the Mavericks with a big hole to fill on the wing. Jefferson will take his place in the starting lineup, but he doesn't have the athleticism or quickness to guard Harrison Barnes or Andre Iguodala. Look for Dallas to rely more on their defensive rotations and on Dirk Nowitzki in this one.
How long will Golden State's starters play?
The Warriors are six games ahead of the Hawks for the best record in the NBA with seven games left, and Golden State is playing hard until they can clinch that. However, they've pretty much sewn that up at this point, so don't be surprised if head coach Steve Kerr decides to play his starters limited minutes.
Prediction: Warriors win 110-100
Though it's coming, Golden State hasn't shown that they're willing to let their foot off the gas just yet, so I still expect their starters to play good minutes in this one. Because of that, they'll win this one comfortably.
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