All eyes on Stephen Curry as Warriors face Bulls

Game Information

Golden State Warriors (50-10) vs. Chicago Bulls (30-30)

How to watch

Date: Thursday March 2, 2017

Time: 5:00pm PST

Location: United Center — Chicago, IL

TV: TNT

Radio: 95.7 THE GAME

Team comparison

Injury report

Last updated 3/1/17

Warriors: Kevin Durant

Bulls: Paul Zipser; Michael Carter-Williams

Fresh off a last minute loss to the Washington Wizards and the unfortunate injury to Kevin Durant, the Golden State Warriors head to the Midwest for a match-up against the Chicago Bulls.

Struggling Jimmy

There is no doubt that Bulls forward, Jimmy Butler, is a great player, but he’s been struggling. Shooting only 18-53 over his last three games, Butler will look to get it going against the visiting Warriors. With Kevin Durant out indefinitely, rim protection may be an issue; Butler would do well to attack the paint in order to get his groove back.

Despite Butler’s poor shooting, the Bulls have won four of their last five, including wins over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors. Perhaps this is a sign that the Bulls may be a tough first round opponent for one of those top Eastern Conference Teams.

Curry-ball

The Warriors are known for playing team basketball and ball movement is a hallmark of their offense. But with Durant sitting out with a sprained MCL, there’s no question that the Warriors’ offense will rest primarily on Stephen Curry.

Curry spent most of the early part of this season figuring out a proper balance of pass and shoot in order to integrate Durant into the squad. Soon after realizing that Durant can get his without Curry deferring so much, Curry has gone on some great stretches of play.

Unfortunately, Curry has been stone-cold from deep his last two games, going a combined 2-for-20. Thankfully, he’s found other ways to score, but now Curry will have plenty of opportunities to find his shot with Durant on the mend.

Durant’s injury can’t be described as anything but unfortunate, but this league is all about “next man up.” As much as pundits, doomsday fans and haters may insist otherwise, the Warriors still have a championship roster thanks to Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. And now they may even have some “no one believes in us” / underdog motivation for the rest of the season.

It’s time for Curry to show why he was the two-time MVP and carry the team through the rest of this regular season and beyond. And it starts tonight against the Bulls.

Predictions

Follow our picks on Twitter! (@ForTheWs)

Monsieur Lee (4 points)

Winner: Warriors by 6

High scorer: Stephen Curry

Madame Lee (1.5 points)

Winner: Warriors by 3

High scorer: Draymond Green