Golden State Warriors (33-14) vs Washington Wizards (20-26)
Where to Watch
Date: Friday, Jan. 25
Time: 6:30 AM IST
TV: Sony Ten 1
Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Game Preview
The Golden State Warriors are red-hot right now.
Having welcomed DeMarcus Cousins back to the line-up in the past couple of games, the reigning two-time champs are currently riding an eight-game win streak which includes a huge 31-point road win in Denver.
Through 47 games, the Warriors have the league's best offensive rating (115.6). They lead the league in points per game (118.7) and assists average (29.1) while ranking among the top three in shooting (48.9% from the field - 1st, 39.6% from the 3-point line - 2nd, and 81.8% from the free-throw line - 1st).
Golden State's four All-Stars - Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green - have all seemed to have found their groove and are currently fully healthy. Over the next five games, the team plays three crucial Eastern Conference games in Washington, Indiana, and Boston.
Coming to the Wizards, this is the team's final game of their six-game home-stand (one game in London). Over the previous five games of this stretch, they have gone 4-1 (all without John Wall) despite hosting contending teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Toronto Raptors.
In the absence of their point guard John Wall, Bradley Beal has stepped up and played at an All-Star level, garnering much praise for his improved play.
Despite their 20-26 record, the Wizards can still make a run for the final few Playoff spots in the weak Eastern Conference. Given their recent record of 7-3 in the last 10 games, they can certainly close the gap to the Miami Heat, who are currently placed 8th and lead the Wizards by 2 games.
Game Notes
- To nobody's surprise, the Warriors have the best road record in the league having gone 15-8 in their 23 away games so far.
- On the other hand, the Wizards are 15-8 in their 23 previous home games.
- Golden State is expected to be without a couple of players - Damian Jones (Pectoral) and Jonas Jerebko (Personal).
- The Wizards, meanwhile, are expected to be without three players - Dwight Howard (Back), John Wall (Heel), and Markieff Morris ().
Last Time They Played
Date: Oct. 25, 2018
Score: Wizards 122-144 Warriors
Wizards: Bradley Beal - 23 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds on 66.7% shooting
Warriors: Stephen Curry - 51 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists on 62.5% shooting.
Minnesota Timberwolves (23-24) vs Los Angeles Lakers (25-23)
Where to Watch
Date: Friday, Jan. 25
Time: 9:00 AM IST
TV: Sony Ten 1
Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Game Preview
With LeBron James set to miss this game as well, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a chance to seal this season series, currently leading 2-1.
The Lakers, whose offensive rating ranks 27th since LeBron has missed time with a groin injury, had their best offensive night in the win at OKC and replicated that by dropping 134 points in an OT loss in Houston.
So far, without the four-time league MVP, the young team has gone 5-9 in 14 games, which isn't so bad considering the fact the 2016-17 Cleveland Cavaliers that went to the 2017 Finals went 0-8 without LeBron that season.
The purple and gold, however, could receive some much-needed veteran leadership in this game with the probable return of Rajon Rondo. Will that be enough though?
Coming to the Minnesota franchise, a team that has shown glimpses of improvement since Jimmy Butler was traded but it's time to get consistent with it.
Since Butler was traded, the team has certainly shown glimpses of getting better but it's time they be consistent about it. With the Playoff race heating up for the last few spots in either Conference, a win over the Lakers right now would be very significant to Minnesota's postseason hopes.
Game Notes
- The Minnesota Timberwolves are 7-16 in their 23 previous road games.
- On the other hand, the Lakers are 15-10 at home at the Staples Center.
- The Timberwolves will be without Robert Covington (Ankle) while the duo of Tyus Jones (Ankle) and Jeff Teague (Foot) are game-time decisions.
- The Los Angeles franchise will surely miss two ball handlers in LeBron James (Groin) and Lonzo Ball (Ankle). Meanwhile, Rajon Rondo (Hand) is said to be a game-time decision.
Last Time They Played
Date: Jan. 7, 2019
Score: Lakers 86-108 Timberwolves
Lakers: Lance Stephenson - 14 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds
Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns - 28 points, 18 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 assists, and 2 steals on 55.0% shooting.
