Feb 2, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) congratulates guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
The high-flying New York Knicks play hosts to the former NBA superpower Golden State Warriors in this matchup. Both teams can’t afford to take their foot off the pedal as they are facing consistent pressure from those below for the Playoff places. While the Knicks lie seventh in the East with a 15-16 record, the Warriors place eighth in the West with a 16-15 record.
Date & Time: February 23, 2021, 7:30pm ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York
The Knicks are on a roll; they have won six out of their last nine games. Masterminded by Tom Thibodeau, they are one of the best defensive teams in the league. Plus, Julius Randle is leading them on the court with 23.2 points and 11 rebounds a game.
Having the likes of Derrick Rose and Immanuel Quickley off the bench isn’t too bad for them either. Mitchell Robinson will continue to sit out after his hand surgery.
Guard – Elfrid Payton
Guard – RJ Barrett
Center – Nerlens Noel
Forward – Julius Randle
Forward – Reggie Bullock
The Warriors arrive into this game with not much positivity, after having thrown the game away late in the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets. They have now lost their previous two games and will be looking to turn things around.
The referee ejected Draymond Green, though he is not suspended for this match. Steph Curry also sat out the loss against the Hornets after feeling unwell.
He should be fit and raring to go for this one, while James Wiseman is likely to return after a layoff because of a wrist injury. Curry will be the key player once again, but he will have to be at his MVP-level to give the Warriors a chance.
Guard – Steph Curry
Guard – Kelly Oubre Jr.
Center – James Wiseman
Forward – Draymond Green
Forward – Andrew Wiggins
On paper, the Warriors look like the more talented bunch. However, the Knicks have been grinding out results this season. And should the Warriors not come out of the blocks quickly, they may pounce upon and steal the win from them too.
Read More – How Can Golden State Warriors Find a Way to Win Without Steph Curry & Draymond Green?
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