The Golden State Warriors are on a league best 11-game win streak and have looked especially dominant in their last two. The Atlanta Hawks, having challenged the Cavs for a brief period at the top of the East standings, have lost two straight and five of their last six. A matchup against the streaking Warriors may not be in Atlanta's best interests.
How to watch
When: Monday, 10:30 p.m. ET
Who: Atlanta Hawks
Where: Oracle Arena in Oakland, California
TV: NBA League Pass
Streaming: NBA League Pass
Line: Warriors (-14)
What to watch for
Durant, the Defender: An ankle injury kept Draymond Green out of Golden State's 115-102 win against the Timberwolves, which prompted the Warriors to start second-year big man Kevon Looney. But while Looney manned the middle, it was Durant who carried Golden State defensively in Green's absence.
Durant grabbed 10 rebounds and recorded a career-high six blocks. He also was Golden State's best answer defensively against Karl-Anthony Towns, helping frustrate the Timberwolves big man into a poor 8-of-21 shooting night. Durant is averaging 1.6 blocks, which is more than Bismack Biyombo, Towns and Kristaps Porzinigs.
Golden State believed Durant would make an impact defensively, and that is looking quite prophetic.
Dwight Attack: Playing with a newfound sense of purpose, Dwight Howard has been solid. His numbers haven't changed much but Howard is averaging a very solid 14.4 points and 12.6 rebounds with 1.7 blocks.
Howard presents an intriguing matchup problem for the Warriors, who don't have anyone who can keep the big man off the boards. Looney, JaVale McGee and Anderson Varejao will likely get an opportunity to try and limit Howard, but that is easier said than done.
The Warriors could also opt for the always unpopular Hack-A-Howard strategy. Last year, Howard played against Golden State just once in the regular season and . The strategy worked as he shot a dismal 2 of 10 from the line. Howard is also shooting a career-low 47.5 percent from the line this season, so the Warriors may take advantage of his woeful free-throw shooting on Monday.
Green confident he will be back: Perhaps aiding Golden State in their matchup against Howard and the Hawks is the potential of Draymond Green. Speaking with reporters on Monday, Green said he was "confident" that he would play but was going to test his ankle out pregame before making a final decision.
Green is the linchpin of Golden State's defense and his versatility on both ends of the court is what makes the Warriors so successful. If he is able to play, Golden State's chances of extending their win streak to 12, only increase.
Key matchups
Kevin Durant vs. Kent Bazemore: Fresh off Western Conference Player of the Week honors, Kevin Durant has been on a tear as of late. In Golden State's last four games, Durant has averaged 24.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists. He shot 58 percent and 50 percent from three. Durant is looking more and more comfortable in a Warriors uniform and Kent Bazemore will have the unenviable task of trying to slow him down.
Bazemore is a very good defender and can knows how to use his length to frustrate opponents. He won't be trying to stop Durant on his on his own though, Thabo Sefolosha and Paul Millsap will likely chip in. The Hawks have the best defense in the league as well, and with Howard protecting the paint, Atlanta could frustrate Durant at times.
Stephen Curry vs Dennis Schroder: Becoming the Hawks starting point guard this season, Schroder will have an opportunity to show that he can be among the league's elite in his matchup with Curry. Schorder is a fine defender but certainly will have his hands full. Yet the added motivation of going up against the two-time MVP could light a fire within Schroder to play at an elite level.
PICK: Warriors (-14) does seem a bit high, especially since the Hawks have the best defense in the league. But Atlanta has been struggling as of late and are on the second night of a back-to-back. And to top it off, the Hawks are 4-5 on the road this season, so playing at the Roarcle won't make things easier for Atlanta. With all of those factors coming into play, expect the Warriors to continue their win streak against the Hawks.
