Warriors (50-9) at Wizards (34-23)
February 28, 2017 at 7:00 PM Verizon Center | Washington, DC TV: CSN Mid-Atlantic Radio: 1500 AM
Last time they met was..
March 29, 2016 - Oracle Arena: Warriors 102, Wizards 94
What to watch:
KD in DC.
Yes there was the whole #KD2DC movement. Remember that?
Well, tonight KD does return home, only he isn't playing in the uniform of the hometown team like we yearned for. How will the fans respond? You know there will be fans of the other team, as is always the case whenever a big team comes to town, but for the fans decked out in Wizards red, white, and blue, how will they react? Don’t expect the reception he got during the times he visited during his OKC years while there were still fresh rumors about him coming back.
Key Matchup:
John Wall vs. Steph Curry
The best point guard in the East vs. the best point guard in the West. Last year’s contest in DC was a classic that saw Wall score 41 points and Curry drain 11 three-pointers en route to a 51 point night. What will we get when these two go head-to-head tonight? Tune in to find out.
X-Factor:
The #HouseofGuards
We all know the talent of Wall and Beal but the backcourt of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson will be a challenge. Expect the “House of Guards” to step it up tonight. Wall and Beal each average almost 23 points a game. Curry and Thompson average 47 points combined. Besides scoring, whichever backcourt comes up big on the defensive end is going to win tonight.
Fun Factor:
Underdogs.
Coming into tonight’s game, the Wizards will take on the top team in the league. The Warriors are first in the league in scoring, assists, fast-break points, and field-goal percentage. Golden State has also scored 40 points in a quarter 17 times this season. Washington will have to match Curry and company shot for shot if they want to upset the defending Western Conference champs. Having dropped two in a row after the All-Star break, Washington would like nothing more than getting a big win tonight in front of their home fans.
Prediction:
Wall and Beal will show the league that this is a backcourt not to be messed with. The House of Guards will combine for 60 points and the Wizards will win in a high-scoring affair 123-116.