4/10 Utah at Golden State
8:30 pm MT – Root Sports/League Pass
Opponent record: 66-14
Season series: Warriors lead 2-0
Although there was some optimism that perhaps the Warriors would be resting many of their key guys for this game, with Kevin Durant returning from injury last night and Steph Curry, despite sitting out in that win, expected to return against the Jazz, this will likely be a tough match-up.
It’s been reported that Steve Kerr is considering resting Klay Thompson for this bout, but with Durant, Curry and Draymond Green in action, coming away with a win is still going to be as difficult as ever for the Jazz.
Steve Kerr says he's considering resting Klay Thompson on Monday vs. #Jazz. Not planning on resting anyone Wednesday vs. #Lakers
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) April 9, 2017
Especially considering that Utah’s two most reliable point guards – starter George Hill and Raul Neto – are banged up as is Gordon Hayward who suffered a left quadriceps contusion last night, it’s hard to imagine Utah coming away with a win.
However, it should be noted that of Utah’s two bouts with the Warriors this year, they came closest in the first one when they were without four starters in George Hill, Rodney Hood, Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors. That game ended up being a seven-point loss whereas the second contest saw Utah get blown out by 30 points.
Of course the first contest was at home while the second was in the perilous confines of Oracle Arena, so that obviously was a contributing factor as well.
Some might say that perhaps there’s a chance that a banged-up Utah squad can find a way to get the job done against a Warriors team that has already clinched the top seed and has next to nothing at stake. But even a non-motivated Durant and Curry (if such a thing exists) will likely have more firepower than a wounded Jazz team can muster.
Therefore, as much as it pains me to say it, I’m expecting a lopsided Warriors victory and for Utah’s hopes of reaching the fourth seed to all but dissipate in tomorrow’s contest.
My Prediction: Warriors Win
Final Score: Golden State 112, Utah 91