After winning four games and losing one in their five-game road trip, the Golden State Warriors return home for the first of three consecutive home games at the Oracle Center starting with a match up against the New York Knicks.
The Knicks started this season with a four-year play-off drought, but looking at the way they have started the current NBA campaign that could be coming to an end really soon. The New York Knicks have a current record of 14 wins and 11 losses and are currently tied for third best record in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks have been playing some of the best basketball this season winning six of their last seven matches before losing to the Phoenix Suns in over time.
Derrick Rose, who was a key player for them in their win over Los Angeles Lakers, might miss this match after he picked up an injury in their match against the Phoenix Suns.
"My back got tight and I couldn't move. I can't tell you when it happened; I just remember my back getting tight. I just don't want to get out of my rhythm. I feel like I'm in a great rhythm. All I can do is get treatment from here" NBA's official website quoted Rose as saying.
The New York Knicks possess some of the best offensive players in the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzings and Derrick Rose. The Knicks are averaging 105 points per game on 44.6 percent shooting and allowing 107.3 points on 44.5 percent shooting. This just proves to show how poor the New York Knicks have been defensively and also why they rank in the bottom third of the league in defensive ratings. Given the offensive players the Golden State Warriors have, the New York Knicks will have to be solid defensively if they are to avoid another defeat.
Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors have not been dominating games like they did during their 12 game winning streak last month, despite that their stars still find a way to come through when needed. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and company will try to make the latest winning streak three straight when they host the New York Knicks.
The Golden State Warriors will be relying on star players Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry who are averaging 25.9 and 25.6 points per game. The Warriors will mostly be without Zaza Pachulia who missed the last three matches due to a wrist contusion still remains doubtful.
Draymond Green will play an important defensive role for the Warriors when they play the Knicks. He received a lot of praises for his performance against the New Orleans Pelicans from teammate Stephen Curry.
"He's helping us win in those key moments. He loves a challenge, and obviously, he steps up when it matters most. He knows exactly how he can impact a game on that end of the floor" Stephen Curry was quoted as saying.
Green, who was called a "nasty defender" by coach Steve Kerr, finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting last season and is making a run at the award again leading the Warriors in rebounding (8.4) and steals (2.4).
Where to Watch Live
New York Knicks vs Golden State Warriorsis set to begin at 10.30pm ET (3.30am GMT, 9.00 am IST next day).
Live Streaming and TV guide for the NBA match is below.
India: TV: Sony Six
UK: TV:BT Sport. Live Streaming:Watch BT Sport.
USA:TNT, NBA League Pass.
International: NBA Online
