The Golden State Warriors are at a crossroads after their 120–99 loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday, which saw them slump to a season-low, dropping six of their last seven games. With every passing game, fans are waiting to see the Dubs snap out of their current malaise. On Friday, they head out on the road for a contest against the Detroit Pistons.
This is the second and final matchup between the two nonconference teams. Detroit emerged as the winner in the reverse fixture earlier this season, where Steph Curry checked out in the middle of the game due to a lingering knee issues and has still not returned to the court.
Not having Curry in the lineup is a huge blow to the Warriors offense. They are 6-13 without him so far, making them look no better than a middle-of-the-pack team. The Warriors have won just two games in the month of March, allowing the Portland Trail Blazers to overtake them in the play-in standings. The time for climbing into the top six spot has long run out. If they don’t turn things around now, they’re bound to lose grip on their playoff hopes.
On the other hand, the Pistons softened their recent mild slump, winning five of their last six games, including back-to-back victories over the Washington Wizards. In most cases, a four-game losing streak this late in the regular season would signal trouble, but they’ve managed to regroup well. However, they still need a lot to go right if they hope to finish as the No. 1 seed.
The Pistons’ worst nightmare came true when the team announced All-Star guard and leading-scorer Cade Cunningham would be forced to miss two weeks with a collapsed lung diagnosis. As a result, they have no choice but to rely on other players to step up and close out the final stretch of the season on a high note while filling the big void.
Golden State Warriors vs Detroit Pistons Odds
Moneyline: Warriors (+200) vs Pistons (-250)
Spread: Warriors +6.5. (-110) vs Pistons -6.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): Warriors o217.5 (-110) vs Pistons u217.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Golden State Warriors vs Detroit Pistons Injury Reports
Warriors Injury Report
The Golden State’s long-term injury list remains the same, with Steph Curry (knee), Jimmy Butler (ACL), Seth Curry (adductor strain), Moses Moody (wrist) and Al Horford (calf) all missing out.
Meanwhile, Quinten Post (foot) and Ly Cryer (hamstring) are listed as day-to-day.
Detroit Pistons Injury Report
As for the Pistons, Cade Cunningham (collapsed lung) and Isaiah Stewart (calf) will remain sidelined. Meanwhile, Wendell Moore Jr. (G League) is listed day-to-day.
Golden State Warriors vs Detroit Pistons Starting Lineups
Warriors
PG: Brandin Podziemski | SG: De’Anthony Melton | SF: Will Richard | PF: Draymond Green | C: Kristaps Porzingis
Pistons
PG: Daniss Jenkins | SG: Duncan Robinson | SF: Ausar Thompson | PF: Tobias Harris | C: Jalen Duren
Golden State Warriors vs Detroit Pistons Prediction
The Pistons are the clear favorites, but the road to victory won’t be entirely straightforward. The Warriors enter the contest as +200 underdogs, having struggled significantly against top-seeded teams this season. Even with Cade Cunningham sidelined, the Pistons have enough depth and talent in their ranks to secure a win at home.
Final Score Prediction: Pistons 112-106 Warriors
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