OAKLAND – After a full three weeks on the road, the Warriors are so eager to return to the loving embrace of Oracle Arena that it barely matters who they’re facing.
First up, Tuesday night, it’s the Atlanta Hawks, who in recent years haven’t fared well in Oakland.
The Warriors (53-5) hope to have wing Andre Iguodala and Western Conference Player of the Week Stephen Curry, who tweaked his left ankle last Saturday, available in their quest to extend their home win streak to 43 games – second longest in NBA history.
[POOLE: Iguodala joins Curry on Warriors' injured list]
The Warriors, who have won five in a row and 16 of their last 17 games, will try to avoid the trap of looking ahead to their rematch with Oklahoma City on Thursday.
The Hawks (33-27), are opening their five-game, 10-day road trip, in Oakland where they haven’t won in five years – since Feb. 25, 2011.
BETTING LINE
Warriors by 8.5.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Draymond Green vs. Paul Millsap. Green’s task will be to contain Atlanta’s leading scorer (17.5 points per game) and rebounder (8.7) while also making Millsap work on the defensive end. Green has been struggling with his 3-point shot, which is essential for him to stretch defenses and create space for teammates to drive into the paint. The Hawks need Millsap’s “A” game to have a chance to pull off the upset.
LAST 10
Warriors: 9-1.
Hawks: 5-5.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: G Stephen Curry (L ankle sprain) and F Andre Iguodala (L hamstring tightness) are listed as questionable. C Festus Ezeli (L knee surgery) is listed as out.
Hawks: F/C Tiago Splitter (R hip surgery) is listed as out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors on Feb. 22 won the first meeting, 102-92, and are aiming to sweep the Hawks for third time in the last four seasons. The Warriors have won seven of the last eight meetings overall.
QUOTABLE
“It’s a disadvantage to take them lightly just because you’ve beaten them. They’ve got too many pros. We know how good they are at not turning it over, moving the ball. They play just like us, so it’s going to be a great challenge for us.” – guard Klay Thompson on facing Atlanta for the second time in eight days
