OAKLAND – The Warriors conclude a grueling stretch of five games in seven days, in four cities, when they play host to the Lakers on Thursday night at Oracle Arena.
The Warriors (36-3) take to their home court roughly 25 hours after their first loss of the calendar year Wednesday at Denver, a game for which the coaching staff gave forward Draymond Green the night off to rest soreness in his legs.
Green also could rest Thursday night against the Lakers (9-31), who own the worst record in the Western Conference and have lost two games this season to the defending champs by an average of 32.5 points.
Lakers star Kobe Bryant will be making his last appearance at Oracle Arena, though his status for the game won’t be decided until shortly before tipoff at 7:30pm.
[POOLE: Curry: Kobe deserves 'huge applause' in final visit to Oracle]
BETTING LINE
Warriors by 17.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson vs. Lou Williams and Jordan Clarkson -- This will be a mix-and-match situation, either of the Warriors defending either of the Lakers – neither of which is a legit point guard. Curry and Thompson lead the Warriors in scoring, with Williams and Clarkson ranking behind Bryant among Lakers scorers. The Lakers generally cannot compete unless Williams and/or Clarkson bring it.
LAST 10
Warriors: 8-2
Lakers: 4-6.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: F Draymond Green (rest, R ankle soreness) is listed as questionable. F James Michael McAdoo (L foot toe sprain) is listed as doubtful.
Lakers: F Julius Randle (R foot soreness) is listed as probable. F Kobe Bryant (R Achilles strain, R shoulder soreness) is listed as questionable. F Brandon Bass (R foot soreness) is listed as doubtful.
OF NOTE
The Warriors are 18-0 at home this season and own a 36-game home win streak dating back to last season.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors have won eight of the last 10 meetings, including victories this season on Nov. 24 in Oakland and Jan. 5 in Los Angeles. The Warriors are seeking their third successive season-series win for the first time since 1976.
QUOTABLE
“The game is in a much better place because Kobe played in the league for 20 years. We appreciate all he’s done and we want to keep doing the game justice as we do what we do in our careers. He’s a great example of what to do on the court. Myself, I know I want to try to take that and keep it going.” – Curry on Kobe
