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Tonight, late tonight, we’ll see some of the Utah Jazz (49-31) visit the juggernauts up in NoCal, the Golden State Warriors (66-14). The Dubs have lost just four times all season long in the Oracle. The line right now is -10.0, and it doesn’t look like we’re going to see them fall tonight. Unless, you know, it’s some David v Goliath thing. Yes, Matt Barnes and Kevon Looney are out, and Klay Thompson will rest. But they still have Stephen Curry (who will play), Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, Draymond Green, and generational talent JaVale McGee.
Utah, hours before the game, has already listed Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, Rodney Hood, and Raul Neto as out. With George Hill listed as questionable. But honestly, I’d rather save all these guys for Fan Appreciation night, and try to win one at home against the San Antonio Spurs.
This is kind of where I’m at right now. The road ahead isn’t paved with regular season victories against the Golden State Warriors. Let them have their season sweep. Let’s get ready for the next stage of this team - the NBA Playoffs.
Who is going to start tonight?
- PG: Dante Exum vs Stephen Curry
- SG: Joe Ingles vs Ian Clark
- SF: Joe Johnson vs Kevin Durant
- PF: Boris Diaw vs Draymond Green
- C: Rudy Gobert vs Zaza Pachulia
Honestly, what this game needs to be is a display of effort. Just because old man Amar is mailing it in doesn’t mean the rest of the bench needs to. The rotations are mostly set right now but there’s room there for someone who is hungry.
Is that going to be you Shelvin Mack? Or can Alec Burks take your minutes. Hey, lotto pick Trey Lyles? You got anything to show this season? Guys like Lyles, Burks (hopefully), and Mack will come out hard in this game. We know Dante is going to get some BS fouls early for being on the same side of the international date line as the Dubs. But that’s just how things are right now.
Show us something. Fight. I’m not expecting a win. I’m expecting some heart. It’s something that was really missing in that 59 point outing by Damian Lillard the other night. (By the way, one hip check by Antoine Carr in the 1st quarter against Lillard and I think things end up differently.)
Marquee Match-up: Gobert vs. Green
Two of the non-Kawhi DPOY candidates. One will have a better game tonight. Lots of people will at least watch the ESPN high lights of this one.
X-Factor: Heart
Obviously.