Warriors Take On Raptors in Key Matchup: What to Expect on December 28
The Golden State Warriors are on a roll, entering their December 28 matchup with the Toronto Raptors on a three-game winning streak. With their eyes set on extending that streak, the Warriors will face a Toronto team that’s been struggling, despite sitting comfortably in the East's playoff race. The game, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at the Scotiabank Arena, has some key storylines to follow, both on and off the court.
Golden State, with a record of 16-15, has had a somewhat inconsistent season, especially on the road where they have a losing record of 6-11. However, they've recently found their groove, led by the always reliable Stephen Curry. Curry, who has been in top form since returning from a quad injury earlier this month, is expected to be the focal point of the Warriors' offense. He’s coming off a stellar performance on Christmas Day, where he scored 23 points in a win over Dallas. Curry has averaged 24.5 points over his last 20 games and continues to be the Warriors’ primary playmaker and scorer. No injury concerns are hovering over him for this game, and he’ll likely take on Toronto's perimeter defense with his usual flair for deep shooting and quick ball movement.
Also Read:On the other side, the Raptors (18-14) are in the middle of a tough stretch, losing 7 of their last 10 games. Still, they sit comfortably in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, and a win here would help solidify their playoff positioning. The Raptors will be without center Jakob Poeltl, who is sidelined with a back injury. This loss significantly impacts their size and rebounding capabilities, putting added pressure on players like Scottie Barnes, who will need to step up, particularly in the paint. There’s also uncertainty surrounding the status of RJ Barrett, who is dealing with a knee sprain, and Collin Murray-Boyles, who is listed as questionable due to illness. Despite these challenges, Toronto still has a solid roster, and they’ll be looking to get back on track with a big win at home.
The odds for this game show Golden State as 4.5-point favorites, with a moneyline of -185, while Toronto is the underdog at +150. The total points line is set at 224.5, reflecting the potential for a high-scoring affair given the offensive prowess of both teams. However, Golden State’s struggles on the road and Toronto’s recent slump add intrigue to the matchup.
The Warriors’ injury list includes guards Seth Curry (out with sciatic nerve irritation) and De'Anthony Melton (out with a knee injury), while Brandin Podziemski is listed as probable with an abdominal contusion. This has left Golden State with some backcourt depth issues, making Curry’s role even more critical.
With both teams facing key injury concerns and aiming to bounce back from inconsistent stretches, this game promises to be a crucial one. Tip-off is at 1 p.m. ET, and it will be available on NBA League Pass as well as local broadcasts. Fans who can’t attend in person will have streaming options available through Fubo and TV coverage on NBCS-BA and SportsNet.
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