The Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns square off tonight in their final regular season meeting.
The Warriors (48-28) want to snap a three-game losing streak and remain third in the standings. They are coming off a blowout loss to the Memphis Grizzlies (95-123) and are 1-4 since Stephen Curry went down with injury (March 16).
The superstar guard is dealing with a left foot sprain and is expected to return on time for the playoffs. Until then, though, Golden State will need to build some momentum to avoid the fourth place in the West.
Finishing third on the table will let the Warriors avoid a matchup with Phoenix in the first or second round of the postseason.
“One thing we have to do is (be) smart about how we start to implement guys. Steph’s out and you can’t replace that; he’s one of the top players ever.
Don’t want to rush him back or put too much pressure on him. That’s how you get another injury,” Andre Iguodala said on Curry, via NBA.com.
On the contrary, the Suns (61-14) are on an eight-game winning streak and tip off a three-game road trip tonight vs the Warriors.
They have clinched the best record in the NBA and home-court advantage for as long as they advance through the playoffs.
Chris Paul has been back for Phoenix after missing 15 games with a thumb injury. The Suns went 11-4 during his absence and are 2-0 since his return.
Golden State and Phoenix have met three times this season, with the Warriors winning the past two after the Suns took down an 18-2 Golden State team on Nov. 30. A victory tonight will enable the Warriors to win the season series.
Since the last meeting between the two franchises on Christmas Day, the Suns have gone 35-8, while the Warriors have gone 21-22.
Comments