As Bob Fitzgerald has pointed out in multiple broadcasts,
the next six games mark the longest road trip of the year for the Warriors.
Luckily for Golden State, they play two of the NBA’s cellar teams in Detroit
and Washington. While no game is guaranteed, the Warriors are in a great
position to return home with a reasonably respectable road trip.
It’s been a while since I’ve done some predictions here on Bases and Baskets, but here’s a game-by-game
look at a nine day and six game stretch for a team that has been gaining a lot
of confidence.
Also, while I don’t want to exaggerate the importance of
this stretch, the Warriors do have a decent amount at stake here. It doesn’t
have a lot of importance as to whether or not they make the playoffs, but I
think it will be a reasonable look at just how they might perform in the
playoffs if they do make it that far.
12/5 – Warriors (10-7)
vs. Pistons (6-13)
The Warriors have the bitter taste of losing from the final
game of the home stand against Orlando. Expect them to come out ready to start
this road stretch out strong. I’m looking for the Warriors backcourt trio of
Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jarrett Jack to go off even if Greg Monroe can
keep David Lee to a modest game. This win would put the Warriors over .500 for
the season on the road (5-4).
Prediction: Warriors WIN, 103-94
12/7 – Warriors vs.
Nets (11-6)
The Nets have lost some tough games recently—and they can empathize
with the San Antonio Spurs as to bad luck with the scheduling. Getting both of the 2012 NBA Finals teams is not
easy, and they lost both of those but were on a five game winning streak before
that, including big wins over the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.
Deron Williams dropped five threes on Tuesday and he will probably have his way
with Steph Curry in this game.
Prediction: Warriors LOSE, 108-96
12/8 – Warriors vs.
Wizards (2-13)
The Wizards just beat the Heat. The Warriors should learn
from that and realize no game is a given win. They'll do that, and this one will be
all Warriors.
Prediction: Warriors WIN, 101-89
12/10 – Warriors vs.
Bobcats (7-9)
Prediction: Warriors WIN, 94-92
12/12 – Warriors vs.
Heat (12-4)
This one’s either going to go really well or really poorly
but I’m going to gamble on this one and say the Dubs can get it together and
have a lights-out shooting night. The Warriors are much deeper than the Heat
even though the front ends of their organizations have a tremendous disparity.
Last season the Warriors beat the Heat in what was their version of the NBA Finals (since they didn't make the playoffs) and
they know what needs to be done to beat the NBA’s best team…at least during the
regular season, that is. I’m going to go out on a limb for this game in South
Beach.
Prediction: Warriors WIN, 110-105
12/14 – Warriors vs. Magic (7-10)
The first night of a back-to-back will be another difficult game for the Warriors to pull off in the road. Although they are lucky to stay in the state of Florida after the Miami game, this one will end up similar to the last because the Magic are simply better than their record shows. Jameer Nelson and Glen "Big Baby" Davis will take this one in Orlando.
Prediction: Warriors LOSE, 105-99
12/15 – Warriors vs.
Hawks (9-5)
The energy that the Hawks bring to the court is something
that is respected by all NBA teams. For this game, the Warriors will struggle to keep up with an energetic Josh Smith
and Lou Williams. Atlanta matches up very well against Golden State and this
game will signal the Warriors are ready to head back to Oakland.
Prediction: Warriors LOSE, 104-94
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Overall, Golden State has a realistic shot to make this a solid road trip. If they can continue to play as a unit, their chemistry has the potential to overcome the lack of bona fide NBA superstars. Depth, shooting, post presence, and defensive energy can get the Warriors back home with a very respectable 4-3 record.
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Overall, Golden State has a realistic shot to make this a solid road trip. If they can continue to play as a unit, their chemistry has the potential to overcome the lack of bona fide NBA superstars. Depth, shooting, post presence, and defensive energy can get the Warriors back home with a very respectable 4-3 record.
I think they'll go 4-3 as well, but flip-flop the Magic and Heat games. They should get some redemption against Orlando and you know that it's a huge challenge to beat the Heat on the road, let alone the Warriors. Realistically, I'd switch these games, but anything can happen.
ReplyDeleteYou're suggestion is definitely the more conventional one haha. I just think the Warriors have a habit of playing very well against great teams and have done less than spectacularly against some of the lesser teams - but I'm still gambling with those games, no doubt. The Heat lost to the Wizards yesterday so anything is possible... Either way 4-3 would be a very impressive stretch on the road.
ReplyDeleteI have to give you credit for this, Elijah. Excellent prediction.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Eric. I will refer to KG for thoughts on this game
ReplyDeleteI thought you were referring to the "bar fight" quote from KG.
ReplyDeleteHaha no, the video says it all. The league is officially on watch because these Warriors are ready to compete with the best.
ReplyDelete