The Warriors generally bounce back after a disappointing performance, but they’ll have added incentive Sunday night.
The Warriors are making their annual visit to NBA’s mecca, Madison Square Garden, and this if the first time they’ve done so as reigning champions since 1975.
Coming after a near-disaster in Philadelphia on Saturday – blowing a 24-point lead in the second half before edging the 76ers by three – the Warriors (43-4) will seek to reassert themselves in hopes of running their latest win streak to seven.
The Warriors are 11-1 this season on the second night of back-to-back sets.
The Knicks (23-26) should have Carmelo Anthony in the lineup. The star forward last season missed both games against the Warriors. He returned Friday after missing two games with a tender knee.
BETTING LINE:
Warriors by 10.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH:
Draymond Green vs. Kristaps Porzingis: After scolding himself for being self-serving in the win at Philadelphia, Green likely will come out with his intensity cranked up to blowtorch against the highly publicized rookie. Green is accustomed to facing much taller players, but KP is 7-foot-3. This should be good.
Harrison Barnes/Andre Iguodala vs. Carmelo Anthony: Barnes is expected to open with this assignment, but he’ll get help. Iguodala was given a rest night Saturday in part so he’s be fresh for battle against one of the NBA’s most dangerous scorers. New York has almost no chance unless Melo plays well.
LAST 10:
Warriors: 8-2. Knicks: 4-6.
INJURY LIST:
Warriors: C Festus Ezeli (L knee soreness) and F James Michael McAdoo (L foot toe sprain) have been ruled out.
Knicks: F Carmelo Anthony (L knee soreness), G Jose Calderon (R groin soreness) and F Kristaps Porzingis (upper respiratory illness) are listed as questionable. F Cleanthony Early (R knee injury) is listed as out.
SERIES HISTORY:
The Warriors have won five of the last seven, eight of the last 11 and 19 of the last 25 meetings. They have won on the last two visits to New York, with the last loss coming on Feb. 27, 2013.
