The Golden State Warriors are set to host the Utah Jazz in an eagerly anticipated matchup on Saturday, January 3, at 7 p.m. PT (10 p.m. ET) at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. The Warriors aim to bounce back from a disappointing blowout loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder the previous night, where they were notably without their star players.
The Golden State team is coming off a tough 118-101 defeat at the hands of the Thunder. Key players, including Stephen Curry (ankle), Jimmy Butler (sick), Draymond Green (rest), and De’Anthony Melton (knee), missed the game, leaving the Warriors scrambling to find their rhythm. Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed hope for their return ahead of the Jazz clash. “I hope so, yeah… Draymond is definitely back, and hopefully Steph will be back as well,” he remarked.
In their last encounter, the Warriors showcased their dominance against the Jazz with a decisive 134-117 victory on November 24. Curry led the charge, pouring in 31 points with six three-pointers, while Butler contributed significantly with 18 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. With both teams looking to recover from recent losses, this rematch shapes up to be a compelling and competitive showdown.
Matchup Highlights
The Warriors will be keen to correct their shooting woes, especially after fumbling through a game where they only converted 35% of their field goals and a mere 29% from beyond the arc during their loss to the Thunder. Known for their sharpshooting, bolstered by Curry and Green, the Warriors will need to find their long-range shooting rhythm to take advantage of Utah’s defensive lapses.
Comparatively, the Jazz also faced challenges in their last game, going down 118-101 against the Los Angeles Clippers. With a record of 12-21, they are looking to find their footing, especially against a Warriors team that typically excels on their home court.
How to Watch
- Start time: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT)
- Location: Chase Center (San Francisco, California)
- TV Channel: NBC Sports Bay Area; NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: Available through NBA League Pass and platforms like Fubo.
Warriors Injury Report
The injury list is a significant concern for the Warriors. Currently, they are missing Stephen Curry due to a left ankle sprain, Jimmy Butler is sidelined with an illness, and Draymond Green was rested for the last match. Fortunately, Kerr confirmed that Green is expected to return against the Jazz, while Butler remains questionable. In addition, Seth Curry is dealing with left sciatic nerve irritation and remains out. Rookie guard Will Richard is probable due to complications from ankle issues.
Keys to Victory for the Warriors
- Keep an eye on Jazz’s emerging star: Third-year guard Keyonte George has been on fire, averaging a career-high 24.6 points per game this season, a significant leap from his previous year.
- Sharpen up shooting percentages: The Warriors are typically a high-scoring team, so they must raise their shooting percentages to stay competitive, especially against a team like the Jazz.
- Win the hustle points: Golden State needs to capitalize on fast breaks and turnover opportunities. Their effectiveness in this area can often swing the game in their favor.
Upcoming Schedule
The Warriors will have a busy schedule ahead after facing off against the Jazz:
- Jan. 5 at Los Angeles Clippers
- Jan. 7 vs. Milwaukee Bucks
- Jan. 9 vs. Sacramento Kings
- Jan. 11 vs. Atlanta Hawks
- Jan. 13 vs. Portland Trail Blazers
For more details on the Golden State Warriors, their complete schedule can be accessed online.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Warriors vs. Jazz: preview, TV, stream, odds, how to watch