Preview: Warriors meet Celtics in battle of surging playoff teams

The Golden State Warriors welcome the East’s fifth-seeded Boston Celtics to the Chase Center Thursday night in San Francisco. Boston is one of a handful of squads rearing to battle in what will be arguably the most grueling and unpredictable Eastern Conference play-off bloodbath of all time. Who will be healthy at the right time and playing on a hot streak? Could be Boston if they keep their good vibes rolling; they’ve won 7 out of their last 10.

They have been knocking off some possible contenders, most recently defeating the Brooklyn Nets and the Memphis Grizzlies. Yes, those same Grizzlies that have already beaten the Warriors too much in recent history for any Dub Nation member’s taste.

Tatum hit Memphis’ physical defense up for 37 points; he’s a special kind of player that is damn near impossible to stop if he gets into a rhythm. He’s averaging a stat stuffing 26.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season. He had a 54-point game on the Nets followed by a 44-point game against the Hornets. He came somewhat back to earth in his most recent game, scoring 21 points in a close 95-92 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

Defending this type of player is extremely difficult. It’s also exactly the task the Warriors had in mind when they traded for All-Star starter Andrew Wiggins in the 2020 season and added Otto Porter Jr. in this past offseason. Those guys are two long wings who can move their feet without fouling against rangy and physical scoring options like the 6-foot-8 Tatum.

But the bigger question is who is going to guard Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole? This skilled and daring trio has been supercharged by the return of point-forward Draymond Green. No Warrior averages more assists than Green’s 7.3 dimes per contest, and he came back dishing them with a vengeance.

If Wiggins can join in and sprinkle in his efficient firepower, this could be a blowout in Golden State’s favor. That it is IF what we saw Monday night is at all replicable...and GSOM buddy Joe Viray is giving me a sneaking suspicion that it is.

Hmmm that looks pretty good. Draft Kings has ‘em at -165 on the moneyline; don’t forget that the Dubs have already beat the Celtics in Boston this season. GSW is fighting for the second best record in the NBA and would love to get a W over the C’s in front of Dub Nation.

Golden State Warriors vs Boston Celtics

March 16th, 2022 | 7:00 PT

Watch: NBC Sports Bay Area, ESPN | Listen: 95.7 The Game

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