The Warriors have outdone all the expectations, and they’re on their way to a potential play-in against the Lakers. But before that, they have a few tests remaining, and their latest is against Utah Jazz. 

It’s the #8 seed competing against the #1 seed in WC. So in a way, it becomes the mini first-round playoff demo because the chances are high that these two teams will keep their positions. With just four games remaining for both, what can one expect from this hopefully intense battle at the Chase Center?

Warriors vs Jazz: Injury updates and lineups prediction

For the Jazz, the news is not very good because they’ll miss two of their superstars. Shooting guard Donovan Mitchell will sit out for this entire week because of his ankle injury.

Additionally, point guard Mike Conley will miss the game with hamstring issues, and forward Juwan Morgan will stay a day-to-day decision. 

Probable lineup – Joe Ingles (PG), Royce O’Neale (SG), Bojan Bogdanovic (SF), Georges Niang (PF), and Rudy Gobert (C)

GSW has always had a long list of injuries all throughout the season. Apart from Klay Thompson and James Wiseman, Damion Lee will stay out because of Covid protocols. Eric Paschall, who has played 39 games this season, will miss the game with a hip injury. More damagingly, guard Kelly Oubre Jr. is sure to not come back in the regular season. 

Potential starting five – Stephen Curry (PG), Andrew Wiggins (SG), Kent Bazemore (SF), Draymond Green (PF), and Kevon Looney (C)

Who wins?

Currently, the two teams are 1-1 against each other in this season, and it can be a defining battle. While the Jazz are leading over the Warriors by averaging 3+ extra points per game in this season, the two are neck-to-neck in their defense. 

For the Jazz, Bojan Bogdanovic is coming off a career-high 48-point night against the dangerous Denver. Moreover, they have a rather stronger bench with a player like Jordan Clarkson making for a good offensive case. Add Rudy Gobert and his potential double-double, and the mix is phenomenal.

On the other hand, the Warriors are centered around the shooting of Steph Curry and the scoring prowess of Andrew Wiggins. Steph is averaging close to 32 ppg in an MVP kind of a season, while Wiggins has stayed consistent all through the year. Draymond Green can become GSW’s answer to Rudy’s dominance as Jordan Poole and Juan Toscano-Anderson will lead the bench. 

As an unpopular opinion, we believe the Warriors can take this series with a close victory.

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