The NBA All Star weekend festivities will start on Friday night, but there is still some work to be done before that point. On Thursday night, the Golden State Warriors will visit the Utah Jazz for an important game in the Western Conference.
The Golden State Warriors saw their long winning streak come to an end on Wednesday night as they couldn’t hold off the LA Clippers. Golden State is now sitting at 26-26 on the year, but they have bounced back after a very slow start.
Utah is coming into this game with a record of 26-29, and they have been a pleasant surprise so far this season. The Jazz have dropped three straight games, and they need to bounce back in a big way.
Golden State is coming into this game as a slim 1.5-point betting favorite over Utah in what should be a terrific matchup.
Curry Carrying the Warriors
Stephen Curry has made at least seven three-pointers in four straight games, and he is the first player in league history to get that done. Curry is now scoring over 28 points per game this season, and he just continues to impress.
The Warriors haven’t always done a great job of providing Curry with much support, and that is going to be something to watch moving forward. Golden State will need to make some shots, but fatigue could play a factor in this game.
Draymond Green is now back on the floor for the Warriors, and that has helped the defense in a big way. Golden State needs to protect the paint, but it’s going to take a full defensive effort on Thursday night.
Jazz Struggling to Get Stops
The Utah Jazz have given up at least 129 points in three straight games, and that’s just not going to be good enough to win games this season. Utah just suffered at 129-107 loss to Golden State a few days ago, and stopping Curry was a major challenge.
The Jazz do have some talent on this roster, but they are not in a position to be one of the top teams in the league. Utah is always a much better team on their home floor, and that home crowd could provide a lift in this game.
Forward Lauri Markkanen is having a huge season for the Jazz as he is scoring over 23 points per game. The Jazz want to score points to win games, but it will take a great effort in this matchup.
Warriors Win Big
Even though fatigue could play a role in this game, the Golden State Warriors know that they have a long break coming. Stephen Curry is on a tear of late, and he isn’t going to be slowed down by the Jazz in this game.
Utah needs the All Star Break to get here in a bad way as they are struggling ahead of this game. The Jazz can score enough points to give them a chance to win, but they just won’t get any stops.
Bet on the Golden State Warriors to win big on Thursday night as they continue to play some great basketball.
