Who's Playing
Matchup: New York Knicks vs Golden State Warriors
Records: Knicks (10-30), Warriors (26-14)
Where to Watch
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 9
Time: 9:00 AM IST
TV: Sony Ten1
Location: Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA
Game Preview
The Warriors' current record of 26-14 is the worst under Steve Kerr through 40 games. They have never registered double-digit losses in the previous seasons (under Kerr) through 40 games.
So the wear-and-tear of a three-peat is certainly showing. In fact, heading into this game, Golden State have a 3-game losing streak at the Oracle Arena with losses at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, and the Houston Rockets.
Despite all of this, the Warriors still have the league's best offense (113.6). They also rank among the league's elite in various other offensive categories such as - FG% (48.4 - 1st), 3P% (38.4% - 3rd), FT% (82.4% - 2nd), PPG (116.6 - tied 2nd), and APG (28.1 - 1st).
It's the team defense that has been the issue this season. At the time of writing, they have a defensive rating of 109.3, good for 19th-best. They rank 22nd in opponents points allowed per game (112.2).
In fairness, this team did show last season that they could turn on the switch come Playoff time but that can only come out of habit. Their current defense will be very tough to improve in the Playoffs, at the drop of hat, in the current offense-heavy league.
Having said all of that, the Warriors have a couple of favorable games at home starting with this one against the Knicks (next against the Chicago Bulls) to regain some of their lost mojo.
On the other hand, the shorthanded Knicks (no Porzingis and Ntilinka) will be looking to bounce back from a loss at Portland. Their most recent win in Los Angeles against the Lakers snapped a 8-game losing streak.
Whether it's the front office (second year), coaching staff or the players, all are very young into this rebuilding process. There is certainly plenty of room for improvement, given that their offense ranks 24th in the league and that the defense is at 29th, only above the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Game Notes
- This will be the Warriors' 22nd home game of the season and while they have still won 15 of the previous 21, they are currently riding a 3-game home losing streak.
- On the other hand, the visiting Knicks will be playing their 25th game on the road, having won six of the previous 24.
- This game in Oakland will conclude a 13-day 6-game road trip for the Knicks. It will also be their eighth back-to-back of the season, having gone 1-6 in the second night of the previous six back-to-backs.
- Golden State is reportedly set to miss only two players for this clash - DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles) and Damian Jones (Pectoral).
- On the other hand for the Knicks, other than missing Kristaps Porzingis (Knee), they are set to miss three other players - Frank Ntilikina (Ankle), Isaiah Hicks (Ankle), and Mitchell Robinson (Ankle).
Last Time They Played
Date: Oct. 27, 2018
Score: Warriors 128-100 Knicks
Warriors: Kevin Durant - 41 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists on 70.8% shooting
Knicks: Tim Hardaway Jr. - 24 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds.