Stephen Curry ranks fifth in the NBA with an average of 23.7 points per game, ranks third in win shares and ranks first in RPM WAR this season, so there really is no doubt about where to start when breaking down the Golden State Warriors and how good they have been so far.
The Warriors have won 21 of their first 24 games, which gives them the best record in the NBA to this point but they are coming off a tough loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. It’s no surprise it came without starting center Andrew Bogut in the lineup (due to a knee inflammation). Don’t expect the Oklahoma City Thunder to have any sympathy for Golden State when they meet tonight in the second half of a TNT doubleheader. This could very well end up being a first-round playoff series preview, so make sure you catch this must-see TV.
New York Knicks @ Chicago Bulls — 8:00 PM ET
Odds: Bulls (-10)
It’s important to note the Warriors success before bringing up the 5-22 Knicks, as Steve Kerr has to be counting his blessings after signing on as the Golden State head coach rather than taking the job in New York. Derek Fisher hasn’t been able to turn things around for the Knicks as they have had a historically bad start to the season. They could be approaching a breaking point in terms of Carmelo Anthony. There’s all sorts of speculation in the air despite the fact that he has denied rumors he is willing to waive his no trade clause. The team is an absolute mess right now.
Meanwhile, Chicago is right in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff hunt despite a 4-5 record at home. If they can find a way to play better basketball at the United Center, there is still a good chance they climb in to the top spot in the standings and secure home court advantage. The Bulls need Derrick Rose healthy and playing at an elite level in order to be a true title contender, but with Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol playing so well right now, they should be just fine picking up wins against the lesser opponents on their schedule. That includes a team like the Knicks. Although the Bulls are laying a big number in this spot, they’re definitely the play. Pick: Chicago -10
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Golden State Warriors — 10:30 PM ET
Odds: Warriors (-3)
It’s important not to underestimate the impact Bogut has on this Warriors team and it showed against Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, and the Grizzlies. He missed the game and the Warriors lost. Despite still winning the battle on the boards, the Warriors struggled at the offensive end of the floor. Curry went just 9-for-25 from the floor including a 1-for-10 mark from beyond the arc and Klay Thompson and Draymond Green couldn’t do enough to save them. They had no inside presence and really allowed the Grizzlies to focus on the perimeter.
It won’t get any easier against Oklahoma City but they will have the home advantage and it will be interesting to see how Golden State responds with the national audience paying close attention. The Thunder are trying to fight their way back in to the Western Conference playoff picture with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook back after both missed extended time to open the year. On the strength of a seven-game winning streak, they have already closed the gap behind the New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns. Oklahoma City isn’t facing the level of pressure they dealt with in past years and they will be looking to make a statement on the road in a game that could have the experts second guessing the Warriors if they lose. Curry and Thompson didn’t look nearly as dangerous versus Memphis and without Bogut it’s very possible that the Thunder can steal a big win on the road against Golden State in this game. Pick: Oklahoma City (+3)
