NBA: Washington Wizards vs Golden State Warriors Preview, Odds, Prediction

One of the most interesting matchups in the NBA this Friday night will be in San Francisco, where Golden State Warriors host the Washington Wizards. The home team has some chances to reach the playoffs, if nothing else, then through the play-in tournament as they currently sit 10th in the conference. However, in order to stay there, winning a few matches in the next two weeks is essential. The Warriors haven’t been that great in recent times, but the recent win against the Bucks and Curry’s form is something that gives hope. As for the guests, they are in the hole since the year started.

Preview

Washington Wizards (18-32, +165) defeated the Orlando Magic on the road two nights ago, 131-116, smashing the franchise from Florida and stopping their four-game losing streak. It was one of the rare good games the Wizards played, scoring 19 threes and dictating the pace throughout all 48 minutes. However, beating the Magic is nothing special, especially following all the trades they had.

Bradley Beal was back, with him dropping 26 points, hitting 11 of 19 attempts from the field, and four threes. Westbrook posted a triple-double, 23 points, 15 assists, and 14 boards, while shooting 8-for-11 from the floor. Davis Bertans also contributed at the highest possible level, sinking six three-pointers for a total of 22 points in 20 minutes off the bench. The rookie Deni Avdija had a nice night as well – 16 buckets and five boards, with four threes.

The game against the Warriors will be the third of six straight road events, for the team from DC, with the remaining three all against the Western Conference teams.

Golden State Warriors (24-27, -185) had Steph Curry on fire against the Milwaukee Bucks, who did appear without Giannis, making things easier for the hosts. Steph dropped 41 buckets, 14-for-21, with six boards and four assists, reminding everyone that he is still the best shooter in the league.

This was the fourth game over the past five in which the two-time MVP scored 32 or more points. Unfortunately, his Warriors aren’t following his tempo, as they posted three losses during that period, and seven in the most recent nine contests.

The game against the Bucks ended 122-121 for the hosts. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 19 points, Kent Bazemore one fewer, while James Wiseman delivered a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Head to Head Games

These two sides haven’t met so far this year. The result in the series back in the previous campaign was 1-1, with the note that both sides won on the road. GSW was better in DC, 125-117, and that the Wizards got even in San Francisco, 124-110.

Prediction

This is one of the most important matches of the year for the Warriors, and they simply need to win. The rivals are mediocre, with lots of problems since the beginning of the year. Yes, Beal and Westbrook play well, but that is pretty much all from this crew. On the other side, the Warriors have Curry, who is in great shape, the home-court advantage, and a massive motive to triumph. So, for us, this is a no-brainer.

Pick: Warriors Win