OAKLAND -- Coping with illness and few aches, the Warriors get back to work Wednesday night, when they play host to the reeling Charlotte Hornets at Oracle Arena.
The Warriors (41-7) last played Sunday and have done only light work the past two days, partly because the roster is limited. Guard Stephen Curry and center Zaza Pachulia were restricted, while center David West remains out.
Only Curry, who pronounced himself over a bout of stomach flu, will be in the lineup Wednesday against Charlotte.
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The Hornets (23-26), who have lost their last five games, will be on the second night of a back-to-back set, having played Tuesday night at Portland.
BETTING LINE:
Warriors by 15
MATCHUP TO WATCH:
Curry vs. Kemba Walker: When the two point guards met Jan. 25 in Charlotte, Walker played though illness. Their performances were comparable: Curry had 28 points and finished plus-0 in 36 minutes, while Walker had 26 points and plus-3 in 38 minutes. This time, it’s Curry who is under the weather. Though he’s likely to play, he may need a boost from the Oracle crowd.
INJURY REPORT:
Warriors: G Shaun Livingston (mid-backstrain), C Zaza Pachulia (R rotator cuff strain) and F/C David West (L thumb fracture) are listed as out.
Golden State Warriors
Hornets: G Jeremy Lamb (inflamed metatarsals) C Cody Zeller (R quad contusion)
LAST 10:
Warriors: 9-1. Hornets: 3-7.
SERIES HISTORY:
The Warriors have won five in a row, including the first meeting this season, 113-103, on Jan. 25 in Charlotte, and seven of the last nine.
THREE THINGS TO WATCH:
THE FULL KD: No matter who tried, the Hornets had little success defending Kevin Durant last week. He scored 33 points, including 16 in the decisive fourth quarter. With Curry at less than full strength, it can be expected that Durant will bring an aggressive mentality.
PUSH THE PACE: The Hornets are 1-9 when Zeller is out the lineup. His replacement, Hibbert, may be the slowest big men in the NBA. Once a solid shot-blocker, his reaction time has diminished and he now struggles to run the floor. Even without Pachulia, the Warriors still have the depth to exploit this.
GLASS WARS: The Warriors prevailed last week in Charlotte despite a slight rebounding deficit (43-41). The Hornets are strong on the glass (second in defensive rebounds, sixth overall) almost out of necessity. They’re 26th in field-goal percentage. If the Warriors can stay close again, they should be in good shape.