The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers have had memorable games in the past, and this Friday, the two franchises meet again in The Land. Will the Warriors get the better of Cleveland? Or, will the Cavs trip up Golden State?

Catch this game live on Friday, November 19, at 8:30 AM, Manila time

Road: Golden State Warriors (12-2/4-1 on the road)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Stephen Curry (questionable)
  • SG: Jordan Poole
  • SF: Andrew Wiggins
  • PF: Draymond Green
  • C: Kevon Looney

There’s no team right now that is looking more unstoppable than the Warriors, who had just blown the Brooklyn Nets out of the water in a 117-99 road win last Wednesday. In it, Stephen Curry poured in a total of 37 points on 12-of-19 shooting from the field with nine threes on 14 attempts across just 29 minutes. However, Curry might not be able to play against the Cavs due to a left hip contusion. 

The Warriors could opt to hold him back for Friday’s game, and in that case, Jordan Poole and Gary Payton II would be left with increased roles. They are not going to be replacing what Curry is generating for the Warriors on offense, but the pair can still damage on both ends of the floor. Poole is a solid scorer, while GP2 is an incredible defensive asset for the Warriors, who held the Nets to only 38.6 FG% and 27.8 3FG%. On the season, the Warriors are third in the league with just 101.6 points per game. Golden State is also 5-1-1 ATS in its last seven games after a win.

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Home: Cleveland Cavaliers (9-7/4-3 at home on the road)

Projected Starting Five:

  • PG: Ricky Rubio
  • SG: Darius Garland
  • SF: Isaac Okoro
  • PF: Kevin Love
  • C: Ed Davis

The Cavaliers are banged-up. Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, Evan Mobley, and Jarret Allen are all going to miss Friday’s home date with the Warriors due to varied health problems. But just don’t count them out yet for at least a cover against Golden State. All those players also did not play in Thursday’s road loss to the Brooklyn Nets, but the Cavs only lost to that Eastern Conference powerhouse by just 10 points for a push. 

The Cavs, who have covered the spread in eight of their last 10 games overall, will rely on the backcourt pair of Ricky Rubio and Darius Garland along with Kevin Love. Rubio and Garland combined for 49 points against the Nets, while Love came off the bench and scored 11 points with nine rebounds. Rebounding will be a big key for the Cavs against Golden State, and that’s something Love and backup center Ed Davis can bring to the table. The Cavs are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games after giving up at least 100 points in their last outing.

PREDICTIONS:

Spread: The Cavs showed they can look decent while punching above their weight when they gave Brooklyn a good fight despite being shorthanded. Take the Cavs to cover (+8).

Over/Under: With or without Curry, take the Over (207.5).

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