Gamethread: Golden State Warriors at Atlanta Hawks

The Warriors managed to escape from New York with a Sunday matinee win yesterday. It was a surprisingly difficult game against a non-elite opponent. Tonight's game figures to be another final challenge before the Warriors head home.

But these are the new look Warriors, who now start Matt Barnes instead of all world talent Kevin Durant. A new look Warriors team that is apparently embracing the difficult path that has been laid in front of them

"Nothing easssy." pic.twitter.com/cq4yXURvL9

— Karl Buscheck (@KarlBuscheck) March 5, 2017

The Hawks are a pest defensively (top five in defensive rating, steals and deflections), so this looks like another game that could be a grinder. Steph Curry and the Warriors will have to contend with the high-octane persistence of Dennis Schroder and Kent Bazemore in the backcourt, Thabo Sefelosha manning the wing, and Dwight Howard in the paint. However, good defense doesn't necessarily win games - the Hawks have lost five of their last seven games coming into tonight.

Oddsshark has the Warriors listed as a 5.5 point favorite tonight. If you're betting, I'd consider taking the under.

Nothing easy!

Let's go, Warriors!!