OAKLAND -– It has been 11 days since the Warriors returned to the Bay Area after the longest road trip in franchise history, so the defending champs have had plenty of time to settle into their home routine and get fully refreshed.
So while energy won’t be an issue Wednesday night, when the Warriors (26-1) play host to the Utah Jazz at Oracle Arena, there may be concerns about focus.
With the Cleveland Cavaliers coming to Oracle for a Christmas Day rematch of the NBA Finals, the question is whether the Warriors will bring the proper edge to the game before the game.
They should know they’re going to need it against the Jazz (12-14), who three weeks ago in Utah had the defending champs in trouble before the Warriors rallied for a three-point win.
BETTING LINE
Warriors by 14.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli vs. Derrick Favors: Favors has played particularly well in the three weeks since Rudy Gobert was sidelined. The 6-foot-10 Georgia Tech product has moved from power forward to center, which suits his skills quite well. He’s solid on the block and can make the midrange jumper. Bogut and Ezeli have two goals. One: keep Favors off the glass, especially on offense. And, two: run as often as possible in hopes of wearing him down.
LAST 10
Warriors: 9-1. Jazz: 4-6.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: C Andrew Bogut (back) is listed as probable. F Harrison Barnes (ankle sprain) and F Kevon Looney (hip surgery rehab) are listed as out.
Jazz: C Rudy Gobert (MCL sprain) and G Dante Exum (ACL rehab) are listed as out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors have won eight of the last nine meetings, including a 106-103 victory on Nov. 30 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City.
QUOTABLE
“I have no idea what’s going to happen on Friday. Utah plays us very tough. Every time we play Utah, they play us tough. We’ve got our hands full Wednesday night.”
–Interim Warriors coach Luke Walton, on the possibility of overlooking the Jazz two days before an NBA Finals rematch against the Cavaliers
