The Golden State Warriors are 6-1 since acquiring Jimmy Butler, and hope to further their hot streak. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic look to stay afloat in the East.

Catch the game tomorrow at 8:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Golden State Warriors (31-27, 14-14 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

  • Stephen Curry
  • Jimmy Butler
  • Moses Moody
  • Draymond Green
  • Kevon Looney

The reinvigorated Warriors have won six of their last seven games. They average 122.1 points per game with a dominating +17.4 net rating across that span, including 36, 24, and 24 points in the last three wins. While it’s a team effort, there’s no denying it starts with the arrival of Jimmy Butler, one of the game’s best two-way players and ferocious competitors.

The Dubs beat the Magic last February 4th, 104-99, which was pre-Jimmy. Steph had 21 points on a tough 7-of-21 shooting, while Moses Moody came off the bench to score 17.

Like usual, expect Curry and Butler to be 1A and 1B in the attack. Look for the two to lead the team’s quest to climb up the standings (currently 8th in the West). ‘Chef’ Curry is more relaxed than ever this season, as the latter is delivering 18.4 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.4 steals in seven games with the Dubs thus far.

Moody (12.9 PPG since Jan 16) and Buddy Hield will be behind Curry and Butler, with Brandin Podziemski also in the mix. ‘Podz’ has 15.1 points,  6.2 boards, 4.3 assists, and 1.6 steals in his last nine outings, and is growing more confident by the day.

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HOME: Orlando Magic (29-31, 18-12 HOME)

Projected starting five:

  • Anthony Black
  • Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
  • Franz Wagner
  • Paolo Banchero
  • Wendell Carter Jr.

The Magic are 3-2 in their last five contests, with the most recent being a rough, 122-82 defeat at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers. They still have identical points scored and points allowed averages in that frame, though: 102.4 PPG and 102.2 PAPG.

Consistency has been an issue team-wise, but Paolo Banchero (23.0 PPG) and Franz Wagner (24.9 PPG) remain as the team’s reliable combo. They had 18 and 21 points in the said loss to the Warriors weeks back, respectively. Both should understand that they ought to bring a whole lot more, especially since Golden State has become a much energized version of itself since their previous encounter.

Aiding the two will be a mix between the rest of the rotation, mainly Cole Anthony, Anthony Black, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Goga Bitadze, and Wendell Carter Jr., who have all contributed nicely in certain spots recently. Anthony, in particular, had 26 points from the bench last Feb 4th vs. GSW. 

PICKS:

Spread: Warriors (-5.5)

Over/Under: Over (210)

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