USA Today via Reuters
Jan 4, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates with Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) and teammates after making a three point basket against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 4, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates with Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) and teammates after making a three point basket against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
The Warriors and the Raptors last met almost a year ago in March 2020. The Raptors won that game quite comfortably despite the dual onslaught from Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins.
However, things have changed ever since. The Raptors do not have prolific center Serge Ibaka anymore, who provided a lot of firepower to the Canadian outfit.
Also, the beginning of this season has been pretty rough for the Raptors. So, what can we expect from their upcoming seeding game?
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Warriors vs Raptors injuries and lineup prediction
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 18, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7), Toronto Raptors guard Matt Thomas (21) and Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) high five against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
For the Warriors, the news is quite alarming. Forward Alen Smailagic was already out because of a right knee injury. His torn meniscus will require at least 4 weeks to heal, and the reevaluation will proceed thereafter.
Next, they lost short forward Marquese Chriss to a right syndesmosis ankle injury with a fibular fracture during a practice game. Lastly and hugely, the GSW have listed forward Andrew Wiggins as questionable because of quad soreness.
Possible starting lineup – Stephen Curry (PG), Damian Lee (SG), Kelly Oubre Jr (SF), Draymond Green (PF), and James Wiseman (C)
For the Raptors, they’ve listed out only short forward Patrick McCaw because of a knee injury. So things are better for them from the injury perspective.
Possible starting five – Kyle Lowry (PG), Fred VanVleet (SG), OG Anunoby (SF), Pascal Siakam (PF), and Aron Baynes (C)
Who wins?
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 4, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots a three point basket during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
The Golden State Warriors have successfully shut down their haters by posting some breathtaking performances even without Klay Thompson by their side. Draymond Green is yet to regain his rhythm, but Stephen Curry has totally transformed into a baby faced beast.
His 62-point game was a testament to the damage he can do in this season. Both Eric Paschall and Kelly Oubre Jr. have also improved their offense to give Warriors a better chance to allow Curry to get those open shots.
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The Toronto Raptors are coming off a blowout victory against the strong-looking Sacramento Kings. Nick Nurse’s squad finally bounced back from a 1-6 record with the help of Fred VanVleet’s 34 points, Pascal Siakam’s double-double, and the productive bench. However, their elite defense has not looked that strong in this season so far.
Hence, we predict that this game will go to the Golden State Warriors, but it will be closely fought.
