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The Golden State Warriors open the 2023-24 NBA regular season with a primetime matchup against the Phoenix Suns. The game will be played at 7:00 PM PT in San Francisco and can be watched on TNT.
What To Watch For:
The Warriors and the Suns made major changes to their rosters after both teams suffered disappointing ends to their seasons. Phoenix got the offseason rolling with a big blockbuster trade which sent point guard Chris Paul to the Washington Wizards for three-time All-Star Bradley Beal. Subsequently, Golden State made their big splash, acquiring Paul from the Wizards in exchange for guard Jordan Poole and other young prospects. Both teams made these moves with a clear focus on the present as their respective rosters now feature several high-profile names ready to compete for championships this season.
While both teams have increased their firepower on offense, they still have questions regarding the defensive side of the ball. For Golden State specifically, it should be interesting to see how they choose to matchup against Phoenix’s potent scoring offense.
Been thinking about matchups against the Suns. Assuming Draymond’s ready to go, wouldn’t be surprised to see defensive matchups like these:
— Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) October 23, 2023
Draymond➡️Booker
Klay➡️Beal
Steph➡️5th starter
Wiggins➡️KD
Looney➡️Nurkić
Confident in this configuration’s ability to switch…
Furthermore, Warriors’ defensive ace Draymond Green was ruled out for Tuesday’s opener, adding to their concerns on that side of the floor.
Steve Kerr has ruled Draymond Green for Tuesday's opener. He says he wants Dray to more practices under his belt and ease into playing shape. He's already back practicing and scrimmaging.
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) October 23, 2023
That left ankle didn't seem to be an issue for him at all on Monday after practice. pic.twitter.com/ql9pbJWzFf
While the Warriors get a bit of relief due to Beal’s absence, Green being ruled out should make it interesting to see how head coach Steve Kerr adapts the starting lineup. Presumably, Paul would be the new starter as has been the case throughout the preseason. However, keep an eye on Jonathan Kuminga who looks primed to make a big third year jump after a fantastic performance this preseason. Kuminga in the starting lineup would help mitigate some of the defensive woes left by Green’s absence and would give the Warriors more balance with Paul coming off the bench.
“I think there is a level of momentum of [CP3] coming off the bench”@ShamsCharania on Chris Paul willing to play whatever role is necessary for him and the Warriors @ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 | @MichelleDBeadle | @FanDuelTV pic.twitter.com/ulhe0xKp5M
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) October 24, 2023
It should be a fun game. Enjoy the basketball Dub Nation. GO WARRIORS!!!
Projected Starters
Warriors: Chris Paul, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney
Suns: Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Josh Okogie, Kevin Durant, Jusuf Nurkic
How to watch Regular Season Game #1
Who: Golden State Warriors (0 - 0) vs. Phoenix Suns (0 - 0)
When: 7:00 p.m. PT
Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, California
TV: TNT (available on fuboTV)
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