It’s payback time in Oakland.
Six days after their 28-game win streak was snapped in Milwaukee, the Warriors (25-1) will get an opportunity to exact revenge Friday night when the Bucks (10-17) pay a visit to Oracle Arena.
The Warriors have been vocal about their displeasure with Milwaukee, not so much because that’s where the streak was vanquished, but because they felt the degree to which the Bucks gloated seemed gratuitous.
This time, the defending champs will be seeking to extend their only active win streak, as they have won 29 in a row dating back to last season.
The Bucks might be without their most productive player. Center Greg Monroe, their big free-agent acquisition this summer, sustained a mild knee injury earlier this week that forced him to miss the last two games and could keep him out of action.
BETTING LINE
Warriors by 19.
Sports
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Stephen Curry vs. Michael Carter-Williams: Curry won’t say much and it’s not likely that he’ll engage in a contest of stares. But he remembers MCW as the symbol of the disproportionate revelry that took place last week in Wisconsin.
That MCW has returned to the starting lineup -– largely as a result of the Bucks making an adjustment in the absence of Monroe –- makes this battle even juicier.
LAST 10
Warriors: 9-1. Bucks: 4-6.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: Forward Harrison Barnes (left ankle sprain) and forward Kevon Looney (hip surgery rehab) are listed as out.
Bucks: Center Greg Monroe (left MCL sprain) is listed as doubtful. Guard Jerryd Bayless (left ankle sprain) and guard Greivis Vasquez (right ankle surgery) are listed as out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors swept both games in each of the past two seasons but took a 108-95 loss on Dec. 12 at Milwaukee. The Warriors are seeking their first three-game home winning streak over the Bucks since winning five straight between 1989 and 1994.
QUOTABLE
“They played great against us. It’s part of the game. Our guys celebrate all the time out there. But if it affected some of our guys, I’m OK with it. It just means one more reason to be motivated when we go out there and play.”
– Interim Warriors coach Luke Walton on Milwaukee’s exuberance in victory last week
