The height of issue on this six recreation street journey is right here!
Toronto (8-9) will tackle Golden State (14-2) in what needs to be the Raptors greatest check of the season up to now. After the lacking the playoffs the final two seasons, the Warriors appear like they’re again to the 2015 model of themselves. Not precisely the ridiculous document setting 73-9 model the 12 months after, however the “power in numbers” motto is on the comeback. An ideal instance of that was displayed within the Warriors win on Friday in Detroit lacking Steph Curry, Draymond Inexperienced, Andre Iguodala and Otto Porter Jr. Andrew Wiggins had 27 factors, and has been a strong two-way participant since coming from Minnesota.
Then there’s this man…
The Third Splash Brother?
Sorry DeMarcus Cousins, it’s not you.
I’m referring to Jordan Poole. He got here into this season as a classy decide for many improved participant and hasn’t disillusioned. Shockingly, he’s capturing below 30 % from three however he’s a microwave that’s a menace to drop seven or eight treys in any recreation and isn’t shy to fireplace 30 footers both. Whereas that a part of his recreation remains to be a piece in progress, he has developed an excellent in between recreation, and likewise is a a lot better finisher on the rim. He had a season-high 32 factors, even getting a response out of Curry on a type of layups. That is merely a recreation Golden State wouldn’t have received final 12 months. The supporting solid wasn’t sturdy sufficient.
The Mitten
First off, not the most important fan of this nickname. Former Raptors 905 defensive monster Gary Payton II is profiting from his alternative in Golden State, locking up opponents and even pulling down the occasional three. He had 12 factors on Friday which included three triples. General he’s 9-19 on the season from deep. He’s an absolute menace defending on the ball, and in contrast to his corridor of fame dad, can throw it down with authority.
the Gary Payton II expertise pic.twitter.com/yWo9dLTgQO
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) November 13, 2021
The Warriors lead the league in defensive score this season. It’s a must to fear about each side of the ball and Payton is among the explanation why.
Chef Curry with the shot
Saving the very best for final right here, as a result of everyone seems to be operating out of issues to say about Steph Curry. The GOAT shooter is the MVP favorite proper now and is within the midst of considered one of his en fuego runs earlier than lacking the Detroit recreation. Curry has made 9 threes in 4 of his final six video games. He’s dropped 40+ factors in three of these. Curry is as soon as once more main the league in scoring and if you happen to take out the 5 video games within the 2019-2020 season the place Aron Baynes fell on his wrist and ended his season, Steph had shot north of 40 % from three yearly. He’s 46 treys behind Ray Allen for probably the most made in NBA common season historical past, in order that will likely be wrapped up in lower than two weeks tops.
Fred VanVleet has his run-ins with Curry. A part of the explanation Kawhi Leonard didn’t win unanimous Finals MVP again in 2019 is due to how Fred hounded Curry (albeit Steph nonetheless acquired his) in that collection. He talked about dealing with Steph after the win in Sacramento.
“His spirit and his ardour for the sport is so good for the game of basketball, and simply how a lot he’s impacted folks and children everywhere in the world and the best way he carries himself. I all the time sit up for competing towards him as a result of he is among the better of all time,” VanVleet mentioned.
Recreation Information
Tip-Off: 8:30pm EST | TV: Sportsnet | Radio: TSN 1050
Raptors Lineup
Large information got here out on Saturday that each OG Anunoby and Yuta Watanabe acquired upgraded to questionable!
PG: Fred VanVleet, Dalano Banton, Malachi Flynn, Goran Dragic
SG: Gary Trent Jr, Svi Mykhailiuk
SF: Scottie Barnes, Justin Champagnie
PF: Pascal Siakam, Chris Boucher
C: Khem Birch, Valuable Achiuwa
Warriors Lineup
Curry and Draymond Inexperienced will likely be again within the lineup after a one recreation absence. Andre Iguodala (knee) is out. Otto Porter (foot) is questionable. Nemanja Bjelica and Payton are possible. Klay Thompson has begun taking part in 5 on 5, whereas James Wiseman remains to be a bit away from that.
PG: Stephen Curry, Gary Payton II, Chris Chiozza
SG: Jordan Poole, Damion Lee, Moses Moody
SF: Andrew Wiggins, Juan Toscano-Anderson
PF: Draymond Inexperienced, Jonathan Kuminga
C: Kevon Looney, Nemanja Bjelica
The Line
Golden State is favoured by 9.5 factors. The over/below is 216.5. The Warriors are the one staff within the NBA to attain 100+ factors each recreation this season. Take the over. I’m 4-2 this season however dropped my final two. I’m fairly certain about this one.
Gameday: Raptors @ Warriors, November 21 originated on Raptors Republic.
