Warriors Return to Action Against Bobcats: Game Preview

Stephen Curry went off for a season-high 44 points against the Jazz on Friday night, and he may be go off again tonight. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Curry went off for a season-high 44 points against the Jazz on Friday night, and he may be go off again tonight.

That’s because he’s averaging 27.9 points in his career against the Charlotte Bobcats, who the Golden State Warriors will welcome into Oracle Arena on Tuesday night. Curry scores more points per game against the Bobcats than any other team, shooting 48.6 percent from the field and 53.4 percent from beyond the arc.

He and the Warriors will face a Bobcats team that is fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Point guard Kemba Walker (left ankle sprain) is listed as questionable, and has missed the last seven games, but could return on Tuesday. If so, the Warriors will have to deal with one of the best young guards in the game, in addition to having to defend against Al Jefferson, who leads the team in scoring with an average of 19.6 points per game. Veterans Gerald Henderson and Ramon Sessions and youngster Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will also be a handful for the Warriors.

The Warriors will enter a stretch where they play four of their next five games at home, where they have had their fair share of struggles as of late. They have lost four of their last six games at Oracle, including bad defeats to the Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Wizards. They are, however, coming off back-to-back wins over the Clippers (at home), and on the road in Utah.

Hopefully this is the start of another win streak for the Dubs.

Tale of the Tape

Warriors:

• Points per game: 103.5 (11th)
• Field-goal percentage: 46.0% (8th)
• Three-point percentage: 38.3% (3rd)
• Defensive field-goal percentage: 43.4 percent (T-2nd)
• Rebounds per game: 46.0 (2nd)
• Turnovers: 16.0 (29th)
• Bench scoring per game: 23.0 (30th)

Bobcats:

• Points per game: 94.4 (28th)
• Field-goal percentage: 43.4% (27th)
• Three-point percentage: 34.7% (20th)
• Defensive field-goal percentage: 44.3 (T-5th)
• Rebounds per game: 41.9 (23rd)
• Turnovers: 12.1 (1st) 
• Bench scoring per game: 28.7 9 (16th)

Quick Scouting Report

The Bobcats rank in the bottom third of the league in points per game, field-goal percentage, and three-point percentage, so this is a chance for the Warriors to put together a strong defensive performance.

However, unlike the Warriors, the Bobcats do not turn the ball over much, as their 12.1 turnovers per game is first in the league, while the Warriors are next to last with 16 turnovers per game. Points off turnovers will be a key stat to watch.

History Says

All-time, the Warriors and Bobcats have each won nine games against each other. The Warriors swept the Bobcats last season, but Charlotte has won the only matchup this season, 115-111 in Charlotte back on Dec. 9.

Injury Report

GSW: David Lee (left shoulder sprain, left hip strain) is questionable. Festus Ezeli (recovery from right knee surgery), Nemanja Nedovic (left hamstring strain) and Jermaine O’Neal (recovery from right wrist surgery) are out. Ognjen Kuzmic is on assignment with the Santa Cruz Warriors of the D-League.

CHA: Kemba Walker (left ankle sprain) is questionable. Brendan Haywood (stress fecture, left foot) and Jeffery Taylor (ruptured right achilles tendon) are out.

*David Lee missed Friday night’s game against the Jazz, and it is not known whether or not he will suit up on Tuesday night. He did practice on Monday. 

Probable Lineups

GOLDEN STATE (29-19) 

• F Andre Iguodala (9.7 PPG)
• F Harrison Barnes (10.1 PPG) / David Lee (19.1 PPG)
• C Andrew Bogut (8.2 PPG)
• G Klay Thompson (18.7 PPG)
• G Stephen Curry (24.5 PPG)

CHARLOTTE (21-28) 

• F Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (8.2 PPG)
• F Josh McRoberts (8.0 PPG)
• C Al Jefferson (19.6 PPG)
• G Gerald Henderson (15.1 PPG)
• Ramon Sessions (10.1 PPG) / Kemba Walker (18.7 PPG)

Game Info

Tip-off: 7:30 PM PST

Location: Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA

TV: LOCAL