The Warriors wrap up a rather disappointing homestand tonight against one of the more surprising teams in the league, the Utah Jazz. The Jazz started the season white hot, but have come back to earth here in the past few games, standing at (12-8) good enough for sixth place in the highly competitive Western Conference. The Warriors on the flip side can finish this six game homestand with a .500 record or they can make it even worse by losing tonight ending the homestand with a (7-13) record. Either way, they will play ten of the their next 15 games on the road, so it doesn't get much easier as we progress through this shortened season.
What to watch for:
Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson VS Andris Biedrins and David Lee-
This matchup of the starting frontcourts, favors the Jazz is a big way. Millsap is an undersized power forward standing at 6'8, but is averaging a double-double in the Jazz past five games with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Al Jefferson on the other hand has only played in three of the Jazz's past five games, but last night against the Clippers he broke out in a big way with a line of 27 points and 12 rebounds. So clearly the Jazz have the advantage of a Warriors frontcourt which is basically led by David Lee, since Biedrins has pretty much been a non-factor for much of the season.
Can the Warriors take advantage in the backcourt?
When the Warriors played the Jazz a few weeks back, they were without Stephen Curry and lacking depth in the backcourt. This time around the Jazz will be limited with backup point guard, Earl Watson doubtful, Raja Bell doubtful, and Devin Harris questionable. Bell did a solid job defending Monta Ellis in the earlier season matchup, and if he doesn't play, there aren't many players on the Jazz who will be able to guard him effectively. If the Warriors are to have a shot at winning this game, the backcourt of Ellis and Curry has to play better than they have in the past two games, shooting a combined 17-57 from the field.
Can the Bench keep it up?
The bench has been one of the bright spots for the Warriors on this homestand, and they will need to continue their success tonight to pull out a victory. Brandon Rush and Nate Robinson have been instant surges of offensive of the bench, while Ekpe Udoh has provided great interior defense. This is an improvement from last season, as the bench was one of the downsides of the team.
This is a game that the Warriors need to win to keep the momentum going. The season is not over, but the schedule does not get any easier with most of their games coming on the road. There isn't much time left to put together a winning streak that could sneak them into the playoffs, so the time is now.
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