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The Golden State Warriors will host the Washington Wizards on Friday night in the NBA.
The Warriors (24-27, 15-9 home) had a rough stretch recently, playing many games withot Steph Curry and losing 7 of the last 9. That saw them drop to 10th in the West and created a real sense of urgency, because they need to start winning right away in order to at least catch the play in tournament. That urgency showed a couple of nights ago when they hung on to beat the Bucks. Even if Milwaukee was without Giannis, that was still a very good win for the Dubs.
The Wizards (18-32, 8-16 away) snapped a 4 game losing streak with a win against the Magic in their last game. Beal’s return from injury was definitely a catalist, and Washington was expected to win that game against one of the worst teams in the league (if not the worst).
Injury report: Besides Klay Thomspon, who has been out all season, the Warriors only have Paschall unavailable. The Wizards will miss Bryant and Gafford, while Beal is probable, and he will likely play.
With Steph balling like crazy and after finally getting a good win on Wednesday, I like the Warriors to make it two in a row tonight. This feels like the kind of game they usually win. They have usually taken care of inferior teams this year when Steph played, particularly at home.
For all their struggles the Warriors have been strong at home this season. Even in this bad run they had recently, they still won their last two home games. They had lost a couple previously, but without Steph. Since he returned, they are 2-0 at home and are 15-9 overall for the season.
The Wizards’s recent struggles can be attributed to Beal’s absence, but it’s not like they were much better with him on the court. This is an 18-32 team and has played like it all year. They have lost 13 of their last 16 – plenty of those with Beal active. I doubt these Wizards can put a dent in Golden State’s playoff hopes.
My tip will be a Warriors win. Prediction: Golden State Warriors – Washington Wizards 122 – 110.
Pick: Warriors
Odds: 1.56 @ Unibet
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 5.04
Event date: 10 April
