The Golden State Warriors travel to face the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night at Barclays Center. Golden State is 34-28 and sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference, while Brooklyn is 21-40 and 11th in the East. The Nets won the first meeting this season, 128-120, back in November.
Golden State has been on a roll since acquiring Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, going 9-1 with him in the lineup. The Warriors are coming off a 114-102 win over the Knicks, their seventh double-digit victory since the deal. Brooklyn, meanwhile, has lost five straight and is struggling defensively, allowing nearly 120 points per game during the skid.
Golden State Warriors Preview – Butler Making an Impact
The Warriors have looked much better since adding Butler, who is averaging 16.3 points on 44% shooting in 10 games. The team has improved defensively, holding opponents under 110 points in six of those games. Stephen Curry continues to lead the way, scoring 28 points against New York while dealing with a sore ankle.
Curry has been on fire since the trade, scoring at least 20 points in nine of 10 games and even dropping 56 in Orlando last week. The Warriors have been efficient offensively, shooting 60% in the second half against the Knicks while turning an eight-point halftime deficit into a double-digit win.
Golden State’s defense will be key in this matchup, as Brooklyn has struggled to score efficiently. If the Warriors continue their strong two-way play, they should have no problem extending their winning streak.
Brooklyn Nets Preview – Defensive Issues Continue
The Nets have lost five in a row, largely due to their defensive struggles. Opponents are shooting over 54% during this stretch, and Brooklyn is now 1-24 this season when allowing teams to hit at least 50% of their shots. In their last game, the Nets allowed San Antonio to score 127 points while making 18 threes.
Brooklyn recently welcomed back Cam Thomas from a hamstring injury, and he scored 24 points in his second game back. D’Angelo Russell returned from an ankle injury but was held to 12 points in the loss. The Nets need both players to step up to keep pace with Golden State’s offense.
Brooklyn’s last win over Golden State came in November when they shot the ball well. However, with the team’s current defensive struggles, they could have a hard time keeping up this time around.
Betting Prediction
The Warriors are favored by 9.5 points, and with good reason. Golden State has dominated since acquiring Butler, while Brooklyn’s defense has fallen apart. The Nets are 1-24 when allowing 50% shooting, and Golden State’s offense is clicking right now.
Golden State should win comfortably, and with Brooklyn’s defensive struggles, the over on 224.5 points is also worth considering.
Pick: Golden State Warriors -9.5 over the Brooklyn Nets
The Golden State Warriors win this game on the road. The Nets are just struggling too much right now to be able to contend with the Warriors.
