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An inter-conference battle in the 2015-16 NBA season will see the Chicago Bulls host the might of Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors at the United Center. Join The Roar for live scores from 12pm (AEDT).
The Warriors season might have cooled off a fraction after their incredible start, but it doesn’t change the fact that they still have the best record in the NBA by a country mile. Having won 38 and only lost four, it gives them a win percentage of .905, which is ahead of the San Antonio Spurs who are second in the West as well with .857.
The major reason the Warriors sit in the incredible position that they do is because of one man. Stephen Curry. His shooting has been second to none, and not many defences have been able to shut him down so far this season. He averages a ridiculous 30 points and six assists per game. However, it is his ability to turn a game with three point shooting that may be his biggest asset.
From a Chicago point of view, a lot of the pressure will fall on Curry’s opposite number, Derrick Rose. While his numbers across the board are lower than that of Curry, it is his defence that is going to need to stand up.
More than likely though, Curry will be double teamed for much of the match which means Chicago must have a strong defensive rotation to not leave open shots.
The Warriors have, in fact lost two from their last four games against the Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets. Wins meanwhile came against the Los Angeles Lakers while their last start was a 34 point demolition of the best Eastern Conference team the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Bulls meanwhile, have lost four of their last six matches including a 14 point loss to the Washington Wizards on their home floor. Order is starting to be restored though for the Bulls having defeated the Detroit Pistons by 10 in their last start.
As already mentioned, Dereck Rose will be the key player for the Bulls but against a team like Golden State it is going to take a complete team effort. Pau Gasol will have to continue with his work on the boards, but their x-factor player is going to be Jimmy Butler.
Averaging 22.4 points per game, he needs to give Rose the option to go himself, or to effectively spread the floor and create opportunities.
In their one previous meeting this season, at the end of November the Warriors won by 12 points.
Prediction
The Warriors are tough to beat there are no questions to be asked about that. Chicago is one of the tougher road trips, but it’s impossible to tip against the Warriors given how Curry has been playing.
Warriors by 4.
This shapes up as an intriguing match up either way so be sure to join The Roar for live scores from 12pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to leave your comments as the game progresses.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde