OAKLAND – The Warriors will try to extend their win streak to 12 on Monday night, when they meet the Atlanta Hawks at Oracle Arena.
The Warriors (15-2) are hopeful of the return of starting forward Draymond Green and reserve guard Ian Clark, both of whom were sidelined by injuries during a win over the Lakers on Saturday.
The Hawks (10-7), in Phase II of a back-to-back set, are coming off a 109-94 loss to the Lakers at Staples Center.
The game pits two of the NBA’s better passing teams, as the Warriors lead the league in assists and the Hawks rank sixth.
BETTING LINE:
Warriors by 13
MATCHUP TO WATCH:
Zaza Pachulia vs. Dwight Howard. This is primitive stuff, real man-on-man competition, so there is a chance we’ll see some wrestling. Howard still can play above the rim, but not as consistently as he once did. This has to delight Pachulia, who will beat on Howard while getting help from JaVale McGee and David West and maybe Draymond Green.
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INJURY REPORT:
Warriors: F Draymond Green (L ankle contusion) and G Ian Clark (throat/neck soreness) are listed as questionable.
Hawks: F Mike Scott (L knee soreness) and C Tiago Splitter (R calf strain) are listed as out.
ROSTER NOTE:
C Damian Jones has been recalled from D-League Santa Cruz Warriors, with whom he played two games over the weekend.
LAST 10:
Warriors 10-0. Hawks 5-5.
SERIES HISTORY:
The Warriors last season swept the two-game series and have won eight of the last nine overall. The Warriors in the first round of the 2016 playoffs eliminated Houston in five games.
THREE THINGS TO WATCH:
The Turnover Game. Though the Warriors have, for the most part, done a fine job of limiting their giveaways, the Hawks pose a strong challenge. They rank second in forcing turnovers and have three players – Thabo Sefolosha, Kent Bazemore, Paul Millsap – among the top 20 steals leaders.
The bombers. Klay Thompson and Kyle Korver have similar builds and similar 3-point strokes. Thompson is more versatile and is, of course, a better defender. Korver must get hot to matter, and Thompson’s job is to keep him cool.
The points. Having replaced the departed Jeff Teague at point guard in coach Mike Budenholzer’s lineup, Dennis Schroder brings a different level of grit and toughness to the job. He’ll try to annoy Stephen Curry, who often summons his best when facing a pest.
