Golden State Warriors vs New York Knicks Pick: Will the Dubs Keep Rolling?

With one of the hottest teams in the NBA coming to town, the Golden State Warriors will look for their seventh straight win when they face off at Chase Center against the New York Knicks on Sunday. With both teams looking at deep playoff runs, this has all the potential of a must-see showdown between two title contenders.

Golden State comes off of a wire-to-wire 130-104 win over the Sacramento Kings, and the Knicks narrowly escaped a collapse in a 114-113 overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Golden State has already defeated New York once this season and will now look to achieve a season sweep on home soil.

Warriors on the Rise After Trading for Jimmy Butler

So far this season, the Golden State Warriors made the biggest move in the NBA when the team traded franchise icon Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks. They missed on Lauri Markkanen, Paul George and Zach LaVine before I was able to get Jimmy Butler — a steal of a deal, and a move that has altered their season.

Since Butler’s arrival, Golden State has won 11 of its last 12 games, its offense and defense in ideal harmony. Stephen Curry is still the franchise’s face, but Butler’s two-way ability and leadership have provided new depth to Steve Kerr’s team.

In their most recent victory against Sacramento, Curry became the first player in history to splash in 4,000 career threes. But on this night, by his standards, he struggled, scoring only 11 points. It didn’t matter, though, as Draymond Green soared with 23 points, followed by the Warriors’ bench continuing to dazzle.

Golden State, currently No. 6 in the Western Conference, hopes to avoid the play-in tournament and ensure that the Warriors will be guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. All that is to say, with tough games ahead against the Nuggets, Bucks and Raptors, winning another game against the Knicks would be a big boon.

Knicks Hang On in a Thriller in Portland

Whereas the Warriors cruised last out, the Knicks had to scrap their win over the Trail Blazers down to the final second.

With less than 45 seconds to go and New York leading by five, the team let Portland tie the score and send the game into overtime, nearly blowing the contest. But Mikal Bridges delivered, hitting a buzzer-beating three to clinch the victory. Bridges had a huge outing, scoring 35 points on 13-of-21 shooting.

The Knicks have been inconsistent over their past few games, but now sit third in the Eastern Conference with a record of 42-23. But they will not have their floor general, Jalen Brunson, for at least two weeks because of an ankle injury. His absence puts even more pressure on Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns to carry the offense.

One key concern for the Knicks coming into this game is production from their bench. They are near the bottom of the league in bench scoring, while the Warriors boast one of the most efficient second units. It will be difficult for New York’s starters to match Golden State’s firepower if they don’t play near-flawless basketball.

Team News & Expected Lineups

Golden State Warriors:

Brandin Podziemski was unavailable for the last game because of a back problem, and he is listed as questionable for Sunday. If he’s out, Quinten Post figures to start again after consecutive 10-point games.

Projected Starting Five:

PG: Stephen Curry

SG: Moses Moody

SF: Jimmy Butler

PF: Draymond Green

C: Quinten Post

New York Knicks:

With Jalen Brunson (ankle) ruled out for at least two weeks, lookout for Deuce McBride to slide into the starting point-guard role. Ariel Hukporti is also out with a knee injury.

Projected Starting Five:

PG: Deuce McBride

SG: Josh Hart

SF: Mikal Bridges

PF: OG Anunoby

C: Karl-Anthony Towns

Prediction: Warriors by 5+

Golden State is averaging 126 points in its last three games, and the buzz of its offense will be a challenge for the Knicks to interrupt. Albeit New York’s defense ranks among the league’s best, missing Brunson’s scoring and playmaking could be a big problem vs. a Warriors team that operates best with ball movement and booming 3-point shots.

The Knicks are going to fight like hell — that’s second nature from Tom Thibodeau — but the Warriors’ depth and home court will win out. Another big night for Butler and Curry, as the Warriors win again.

So, the final score prediction: Warriors 116, Knicks 108