The Oklahoma City Thunder will put the beleaguered Golden State Warriors to the test this Friday. The Warriors are on a four-game skid and things are not looking up for them due to recent events, but can they overcome the challenges and silence the Thunder? Or, will Oklahoma City prolong the agony of the Dubs?
Catch this game live on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 11 AM, Manila time
Away: Oklahoma City Thunder (7-4/3-1 Away)
Projected Starting Five:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Josh Giddey
- Luguentz Dort
- Jalen Williams
- Chet Holmgren
The young Thunder have twice failed to win when they have a chance to extend an unbeaten streak to three games this season, but their odds are looking good this Friday, as they will be facing a thin Warriors unit. The Thunder, who have won their last two games by defeating the Phoenix Suns (111-99) on the road and the San Antonio Spurs (123-87) at home, lost the last time they faced Golden State.
That was back on Nov. 4 at home when Oklahoma City suffered a 141-139 home loss to Stephen Curry and company. This time around, though, Curry will not be playing due to injury, plus the Warriors will not have Draymond Green, who’s been suspended for five games for going full Royce Gracie on Rudy Gobert last Wednesday. Curry lit up the Thunder for 30 points in the first meeting, and his absence this Friday means a much lighter load for OKC’s defense that is already 10th in the league with just 111.6 points allowed per game and third in defensive effective FG% (59.6%).
Home: Golden State Warriors (6-6/1-4 Home)
Projected Starting Five:
- Chris Paul
- Klay Thompson
- Andrew Wiggins
- Dario Saric
- Kevon Looney
As mentioned, Curry and Green will not be suiting up this Friday versus the Thunder. That doesn’t mean the Warriors are bereft of talent. They still have Klay Thompson, Andrew Wigins, and Chris Paul. Thompson is well-rested after getting tossed out of the MMA fight Warriors’ 104-101 loss to the Timberwolves just two minutes into the game, while Wiggins and Paul could be due for a much better shooting night after combining for just a 9/29 line from the field against Minnesota.
And then there’s rookie Brandin Podziemski, who became the first Warrior not named Stephen Curry to lead Golden State in scoring in a game this season with his breakout performance in the Timberwolves game. The former Santa Clara Broncos went off for 23 points versus Minnesota, going 9/18 from the field with three 3-pointers. The rookie Another X-factor for the Warriors is Dario Saric, who scored 20 points in the win over OKC.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: The Warriors (+3) cover the spread.
Over/Under: The Under (227.0) hits.
