Who's Playing
Matchup: Philadelphia 76ers vs Golden State Warriors
Records: 76ers (33-18), Warriors (36-14)
Where to Watch
Date: Friday, Feb. 1
Time: 9:00 AM IST
TV: Sony Ten1
Location: Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA
Game Preview
The Warriors are red-hot right now, riding an 11-game win streak including a just-completed 5-0 road trip. They have not lost a game since the dagger 3 in overtime by James Harden on Jan. 4.
Despite their rough stretch early in the season (a 4-game losing streak and 5-8 in mid-November), the two-time defending champions have dominated the league's offensive stats - offensive rating (115.9 - 1st), points per game (119.1 - 1st), FG% (49.1% - 1st), 3P% (38.9% - 2nd), FT% (82.1% - 1st), and assists per game (29.3 - 1st).
Their defense has also jumped improved slightly from being ranked 14th for the season in the defensive rating standings to 9th over the span of their win streak
Since his return from injury, DeMarcus Cousins has seemed a great fit in the Warriors' system. Through five games, the former All-Star has averaged 15.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 49.1% shooting in 21.8 minutes per game.
Having won 11 consecutive, it's not like the Warriors need any more help but their schedule leading up to the All-Star break gets easier. The Dubs play five of their next seven games in Oakland.
In addition to the team's current 11-game win streak, the Warriors also have a 10-game unbeaten streak against the 76ers on the line.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia franchise is in the middle of a monster stretch of their schedule which could go on to define their season.
They have already played the Indiana Pacers, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs going 4-2, and are now said to play the Lakers once again, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets.
There's no doubting the difference Jimmy Butler has made to the team. It's clearly visible in the team's record before (9-6 - 60.0%) and after (24-12 - 66.7%).
The media reports surrounding the team's Big 3 being unhappy with their offense down the stretch of games have stopped as well.
Game Notes
- The Warriors have gone 18-6 at Oracle Arena this season, currently not even in the top five home records in the league.
- On the other hand, the 76ers are under .500 on the road with a 12-13 record in their 25 previous away games.
- The Warriors will be without a couple of players in Damian Jones (Pectoral) and Jonas Jerebko (Personal).
- The 76ers will be without three players - Markelle Fultz (Shoulder), Justin Patton (Foot), and Zhaire Smith (Foot). Meanwhile, the Jonah Bolden is said to be a game-time decision.
Last Time They Played
Date: Nov. 19, 2017
Score: Warriors 124-116 76ers
Warriors: Stephen Curry - 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists on 50.0% shooting.
76ers: Ben Simmons - 23 points, 12 assists, and 8 rebounds on 73.3% shooting.
