The Golden State Warriors are riding a positive wave following a tough victory over the Utah Jazz. Stephen Curry exploded for 44 points, leading the Dubs to their first consecutive victory since Jan. 7. On Tuesday, the Charlotte Bobcats are coming to town, as Golden State tries to put together a little mid-season streak.
Frontcourt: David Lee missed last game, and his offense was sorely missed. It took all of Curry’s 44 points to get a win over in Utah, and if Lee is absent, Curry might have to go off again. Andrew Bogut had another terrific game against the Jazz, and should have no trouble getting involved a little more in the offense if Lee is out once again. The major threat for the Bobcats comes through Al Jefferson, who has been on fire. In January, Big Al averaged 23.9 points and 11.3 rebounds. Jefferson was still a little rusty when the Warriors last played against the Bobcats, and he will likely be a force to be reckoned with this time around.
Backcourt: Last time these two teams met, the Bobcats’ backcourt combined for 55 points, with Kemba Walker dropping 31. Walker has been nursing an injury, and if he isn’t ready to go on Tuesday, it would take a lot of pressure off the Warriors’ backcourt defensively. It should also be mentioned that Curry and Klay Thompson combined for 65 in that same game, and Steph had 43 points, which was his season-high up until the recent Jazz game.
Key to Warriors Victory:
Limit Al Jefferson
If Walker is indeed sidelined, most of the Bobcats’ offense will go through Jefferson. The Phoenix Suns did a great job cooling him down in their last game, limiting Jefferson to 10 points on 4-15 shooting. Bogut will obviously draw the assignment and you can expect him to be banging with Jefferson in the post for most of the night.
Charlotte Bobcats (21-28) vs. Golden State Warriors (29-19)
7:30 PM PST, February 4, 2014
ORACLE Arena, Oakland, CA
TV: CSN Bay Area
Radio: KNBR 680 AM
Bobcats Projected Starting Line-up
PG: Ramon Sessions
SG: Gerald Henderson
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
PF: Josh McRoberts
C: Al Jefferson
Key Reserves: F Anthony Tolliver, C Cody Zeller