As the Golden State Warriors prepare for the NBA best Oklahoma City Thunder at Oracle Arena, they hopefully learned something from the tape of their loss to them here a few weeks back as they are in desperate need of some wins here early in February.
The Warriors (8-13) have lost seven of their last nine to the Thunder (19-5), but have played the NBA's top-tier much better at home this season, earning victories over the Bulls and Heat in Oakland already, though were no match for Kevin Durant and Co. during their last visit, a 120-109 loss in January.
Golden State looks to bounce back from a salty overtime loss in Sacramento their last time out, though will most certainly have their work cut out for them this evening. The Thunder continue to roll, coming off a overtime victory over the Trailblazers Monday night, lead by who else, Durant and Westbrook.
The duo of Durant and Russell Westbrook will be the main cog of their offensive output, with Durant averaging over 32 points a game at Oracle in his career. Westbrook? He finished two assists shy of a triple-double last night, and will be a handfull for the Warriors backcourt this evening. As well. But dont rest on the rest of their team, they have lots of depth, one of the main reasons they're the best in the league right now.
Golden State will need to look inside if they want to keep it close, even if they're shooting well you don't want to take on Oklahoma City at their own game. Look for lots of David Lee early and often, and hopefully Biedrins can possibly drop a bucket of two along with his rebounds. Boards will be a tough grab against tonight though as the Thunder have five players within an inch or two of being seven feet tall.
Dorrell Wright has been heating up lately as well, going 15-30 from downtown over his past four games. Along with league leading three point shooter Brandon Rush, hopefully they'll drop some daggers tonight to help keep up with the Thunder.
Another stat of note- the Thunder are 16-1 when Durant has three of more assists, keep an eye on his passing tonight.
For more on the Warriors, head over to Golden State of Mind.