The Warriors look different from the team that lost by 22 in LA. That 127-105 loss started a 3-game skid that also included Memphis and Phoenix. Since then they've won 2 straight on the road: a 134-114 blowout in Denver, then the 119-114 win at Target Center where Curry went 16-of-16 at the line and the Warriors took a 16-point lead into halftime. Minnesota won the second half 66-55, though, so this team still hasn't shown it can close cleanly.
Golden State's real problem is the frontcourt. Kristaps Porzingis is away from the team indefinitely, and team sources have little optimism he plays for Golden State again. ESPN reports the Warriors are now exploring trades. Jimmy Butler is still months away from returning from a torn ACL, Moses Moody is out until the winter with his patellar tendon, and Gui Santos got scratched in Minnesota with left knee tendinitis. Curry put it simply: availability was always going to be a big deal for this roster, and that spot mattered.
Both teams have a matching weakness. The Lakers just gave up 136 to a Portland team whose bench put up 40, and they lost a 1-point lead in a 34-26 fourth quarter. Golden State gave back most of a 16-point cushion in Minnesota. A healthy Doncic going against a Warriors team without a real big is a matchup the Lakers will like. Curry at home against a defense that just got out-depthed is one Golden State will like. Tip is 7:00 PM PT, and the injury report from the Clippers game decides which of those matters more.