:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7205581/20130126_jla_sh5_695.0.jpg)
After two wins against the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder, the Dubs seemed poised to go into the All-Star Break at least 14-15 games over .500. Their schedule sure dictated that notion. But after losses to the Chicago Bulls and the Milwaukee Bucks, the Warriors are floundering a bit. Last night's game was especially troubling because of the lack of rebounding tenacity, and maybe a sense of fatigue amongst its best players.
With that being said, they are still in good shape in the Western Conference. Tied for fifth with an impending Andrew Bogut return post-All-Star Break isn't too shabby. Plus, Richard Jefferson is doing good things. Sorta, I guess.
Anyways, it's a four-game slate this week for the Dubs and they have a good chance of going 4-0. Or 0-4. Or 2-2.
Monday, vs. Raptors, 4:00 p.m., CSNBayArea
A sneaky good team, the Raptors employ an extremely athletic lineup at all times on the floor, along with very good three-point shooters off the bench. Athletic does not bode well for the Warriors, as Joakim Noah and Larry Sanders has taken turns in the past two games abusing their big men down low. Terrence Ross, Alan Anderson, and Jose Calderon also present shooting options anytime they are on the court. David Lee, Carl Landry, and Festus Ezeli will have to do a better job against the likes of Amir Johnson and Ed Davis to win this one.
Tuesday, vs. Cavaliers, 4:00 p.m., CSNBayArea
Another week, another game-winning shot for Kyrie Irving. The only way the Dubs lose this game is if Kyrie goes off for 60 points. And it wouldn't be surprising if he did. With Anderson Varejao out for the rest of the season, the Warriors should be able to hold the rebounding advantage but don't discount Tristan Thompson's improvements this season.
With the exception of LeBron James and Kevin Durant, is there any other player more exciting than Kyrie is to watch? Warriors fans will get a first-hand look at one of the premier point guards in the NBA.
Thursday, vs. Mavericks, 7:30 p.m., TNT
The last time the Warriors played the Mavs, Curry tweaked his ankle but came back to dominate the fourth quarter and overtime. Much has changed since then as the Mavs simply aren't very good this year, but the return of Dirk always poses a challenge for any team. Plus, this one is on TNT so we get to hear Charles Barkley fume over the Steph Curry All-Star snub even more.
Saturday, vs. Suns, 7.30 p.m., CSNBayArea
I tried. I really did. There is no interesting angle to this game. Just a couple teams in a Pacific Division battle, I guess.
The Suns aren't good. Having to play at least 11+ games against the Warriors, Luis Scola has scored the most points per game against the Dubs than any other team in his career, averaging 16 a game. So yeah, storyline!