OAKLAND – With their epic 16-game win streak in the record books, the Warriors return home Thursday on a mission to stop another streaking team: Oklahoma City.
The Warriors (21-3) know well the challenge presented by the Thunder (12-13), which after the returns of reigning MVP Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are healthier than they have been at any time this season.
OKC is on a seven-game win streak, while the Warriors are out to start another streak of their own.
OPENING LINE
Warriors by 3.
LAST 10
Warriors: 9-1. Thunder 9-1.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Stephen Curry/Klay Thompson/Shaun Livingston vs. Russell Westbrook -- That's right, at least three Warriors guards will get a chance to defend the league's best athlete not named LeBron. Westbrook is playing out of his mind, so it takes a village to slow him down.
Draymond Green/Harrison Barnes vs. Kevin Durant -- Durant's outstanding skill level and incredible length make him conceivably the toughest cover in the NBA. Green will get a shot. Barnes will get a shot. Andre Iguodala could take a turn. Should the Warriors find something that works, they'll stick with it.
KEYS TO VICTORY
1 - Beat the bench -- Warriors reserves are shooting 47.8 percent. The Thunder's bench, though explosive, is shooting 41.1 percent. The Warriors would like those numbers to hold.
[RELATED: Bogut receives injection in ailing knee]
2 – Harness the thoroughbreds -- That would refer to the dynamic duo of Durant and Westbrook, either of whom can take over a game.
3 – Protect the paint -- OKC's roster is rich with players that thrive on attacking. Defending the rim without regular starting center Andrew Bogut will have to be a team effort.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: C Andrew Bogut (right knee chondromalacia/bone edema) and F David Lee (left hamstring strain) are listed as out.
Thunder: F Mitch McGary (left tibia inflammation) is listed as out.
SERIES HISTORY
Though they won the previous matchup this season, 91-86 on Nov. 23 in Oklahoma City, the Warriors have not won a season series since the Thunder moved from Seattle in 2008. After splitting the series 2-2 in 2008-09, the Warriors have lost 13 of 18 meetings.
