The Golden State Warriors are in cruising mode in the NBA. After losing to San Antonio Spurs in the opening day of the season, the Warriors have clinched four straight victories including a 26-point thrashing of Oklahoma City Thunder in their last match.
With such wins under their belt, the Warriors are an even more confident bunch. In such mood, they will face Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Friday. The Lakers, who started their season with a win over Houston Rockets, have lacked consistency, losing to Utah Jazz, Thunder and Indiana Pacers, but defeated Atlanta Hawks on Thursday.
Despite those losses, Lakers have shown that they are a strong outfit, which can be understood from their wins against Rockets and Hawks, who are both quality teams. But, when they come against the Warriors, it is going to be their biggest test of the season as Stephen Curry and co are in red-hot form, and in no mood to take it lightly.
The Warriors, after the signing of Kevin Durant from Thunder, have strengthened their team, and have genuine match-winners in their roster. Along with Durant, Curry, who shouldered responsibility for majority of last season, and Klay Thompson are going to be instrumental this season. One should not forget the brilliance of Draymond Green as well.
Even if one of their players shine against the Lakers, it might be difficult for the home team to emerge victorious. And they will dominate the Lakers if the trio of Durant, Curry and Thompson get their A game flowing during the contest as was witnessed by the Thunder.
Does one even need to say that the Warriors are overwhelming favourites for the match? It should go without saying, but the Lakers might have something or the other to say to one of the NBA titles favourites in front of their home fans, who are hoping for a better performance from their stars this season.
If they are to have any chance of stunning the Warriors, their players need to play their best game this season. D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle will have to share major responsibility against the Warriors, but the Lakers, likewise, need major contribution from the bench players including Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams as well.
Where to Watch Live
Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors is set to begin at 10.30pm ET (3.30am BST, 8am IST next day). Live Streaming and TV guide for the NBA match is given below.
India: TV: Sony Six and Sony Six HD. Live Streaming: Sonyliv.
USA: TV: ESPN. Live Streaming: Watch ESPN.
Australia, Brazil, Mexico: TV: ESPN.
International: NBA Online.
