Game: Golden State Warriors at Brooklyn Nets
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Odds: Warriors +3, Nets -3
Total: 222
Two of the best in the NBA meet Tuesday night in New York City. The Golden State Warriors lost for the first time in eight games on Sunday dropping a 106-102 decision to Charlotte. The loss ended the Warriors’ seven-game win streak. Their opponent, Brooklyn, has won three straight as the offense has perked up and scored at least 120 points in each of those three games.
Leading the charge for both teams will be two of the league’s superstars – Stephen Curry for Golden State and Kevin Durant for Brooklyn. Curry had a rare off night on Sunday when he went just 3-of-13 from three-point range. Still, he dropped in 24 points and had 10 assists in the loss to the Hornets. Curry is good enough to score 20-plus even when he doesn’t shoot well.
For the Nets, Durant is not only the team’s leading scorer; he is the leading scorer in the NBA averaging 29.6 points per game. In the Nets’ last game also on Sunday, Durant poured in 33 points to lead Brooklyn to a 120-96 win over Oklahoma City. James Harden added a double-double in that game with 16 points and 13 assists. Harden’s numbers are down this season – 19.5 points from 24.6 last season – but he is still a big part of Brooklyn’s offense.
Both teams will also be missing key players on Tuesday night. The Nets won’t be as deep as Paul Millsap, Nic Claxton, and Joe Harris will all miss the game with the Warriors. For Golden State, it will be Draymond Green who will sit out. Green has a hamstring injury that will keep him on the bench. Gary Payton II is listed as probable and is likely to play.
The Warriors have the league’s best record at 11-2 thanks to the NBA’s highest-scoring offense. Golden State averages 115.1 points per game. The Warriors are also one of the league’s best defensive teams. Currently, head coach Steve Kerr’s team ranks third in points allowed per game at 101.9. The Warriors rank first in defensive efficiency.
What’s surprising is that with all of the offensive firepower on the floor in this game, the Under is a trend. While Golden State is third in points allowed, Brooklyn is surprisingly eighth (103.5 ppg). The Nets are also eighth in defensive efficiency. The Under has cashed in five of Brooklyn’s last six home games. For the Warriors, the Under has been a trend all season. The Under is 9-3 in the Warriors’ last 12 games.
In the series between the two teams, the Under is 7-2 in the last nine games. Golden State holds the upper hand more recently winning seven of the past ten games against the Nets. Also of interest is the fact that Golden State is just 1-7 ATS in the last eight games in the series. The Warriors are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight games overall.