USA : NBA - Golden State Warriors vs Philadelphia 76ers

Tonight’s matchup sees the 3-seeded Philadelphia 76ers facing the defending champion Golden State Warriors.

 

The Warriors, in spite of mixed success over the season so far, is still no team to gawk at. One very notable factor in tonight's game is that it’s being played in San Francisco, as they have gone 29-7 when playing on their home floor. When watching Golden State, there are a few givens: A run-and-gun style of play, swing passes, and shot optimization (the ‘good shot to great shot’ principle). In spite of missing key defensive pieces like Andrew Wiggins and Gary Payton II, they are still the projected favorites to win.

 

Philadelphia, on the other hand, are riding one of the hottest streaks they have seen all season, going 9-1 in their last 10, averaging 123.0 points on a league-best 51.4% from the field & 42% from 3. Surprisingly enough, and perhaps due to the absence of James Harden, they are still underdogs. The key to victory here for the sixers is to make big man Joel Embiid’s presence felt on the offensive side of the ball, and do what they can to prevent the 3-ball on defense. 

 

In my eyes, it will be Philadelphia’s size that will lead to the upset in Oakland.