NBA Gameday: All eyes on Curry and Wall as Warriors take on Wizards

Share

OAKLAND -- The Warriors would like to forget the last time they saw the Washington Wizards, for not only did they lose the game but they also lost Kevin Durant.

Though Durant will be on the sideline again Sunday afternoon when the teams meet at Oracle Arena, the Warriors have bounced back from the lows in the immediate wake of his absence and own a 10-game win streak.

The Warriors (62-14) have used defense as their formula for success, holding each of their last 10 opponents to less than 50-percent shooting. Nine of the opponents shot less than 45 percent.

Wizards (46-30) are concluding a five-game road trip, having split the first four games. They are 17-20 away from Washington.

BETTING LINE

Warriors by 9.5

MATCHUP TO WATCH

Stephen Curry vs. John Wall. These two point guards have a few classic duels, most notably in February 2016, when Curry put in 51 points and Wall countered with 41 in a Warriors victory. Curry didn’t meet his standard when the teams met last five weeks ago, shooting 2-of-9 beyond the arc and finishing with more turnovers (five) than assists (four). Wall didn’t shoot well (6-of-20) but racked up 19 assists. Expect each to go after the other with a purpose.

INJURY REPORT

Warriors: F Kevin Durant (L MCL sprain, tibial bone bruise) and F Kevon Looney (L hip strain) are listed as out. C Damian Jones is on assignment with Santa Cruz of the NBA Development League.

Wizards: F Markieff Morris (R ankle sprain) is listed as questionable.

LAST 10

Warriors: 10-0. Wizards: 5-5.

SERIES HISTORY

The Wizards won the first of two meetings this season, a 112-108 victory on Feb. 28 at Verizon Center in Washington. The Warriors have won 10 of the last 12 overall, and seven of the last nine played in Oakland. The Warriors have not been swept since 2008-09.

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

THE MIRROR IMAGES: The Warriors and Wizards are 1-2 in made field goals and steals, with the Warriors topping both categories. The Warriors are first in shooting percentage, the Wizards third. The Warriors are first in scoring and fast break points, the Wizards fifth in both categories. The Warriors are tops in assists, the Wizards seventh. First team to reach 110 is knocking on victory’s door.

THE 2-GUARDS: Klay Thompson had one of his more forgettable games in the last meeting (16 points, 5-of-20 shooting, minus-17), losing the individual battle with his opposite number, Bradley Beal (25 points, 8-of-17, plus-11). Thompson has a long memory for such occasions. He’ll be out to even the score.

THE GLASS WARS: The Warriors seventh in rebounding and are 40-2 when they at least tie opponents in that category. Washington ranks 21st in rebounding. The math clearly favors the Warriors.

Contact Us