Now that the Warriors are almost whole, they will try to get to back to playing the dominating basketball that defined them through the first six weeks of the season.
Coming off a double-digit win over the Hornets on Monday, they invade Los Angeles Tuesday night to face the semi-resurgent Lakers at Staples Center.
The Warriors (32-2) have spent the entire season with the league’s best record and appear to be getting healthy again. Stephen Curry scored 30 points after being listed as questionable against Charlotte and forward Harrison Barnes returned after missing 16 games.
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The Lakers are in the midst of the worst start in franchise history. Their record has “improved” to 8-27 thanks to a current three-game win streak – and the last two of those wins were without star Kobe Bryant, who is closing out his NBA career. He is listed as questionable for Tuesday.
BETTING LINE
Warriors by 13.5.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Golden State Warriors
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Stephen Curry vs. Lou Williams -- Williams has been the driving force behind the recent Lakers surge, scoring 54 points over the last two games, including 30 (11-of-17 FG, 6-of-7 3s) in a tip-to-buzzer win over Phoenix on Sunday. Curry is the NBA’s scoring leader. It’s hard to see the Warriors losing this game, unless Williams outplays Curry.
LAST 10
Warriors: 8-2
Lakers: 4-6.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: G Leandro Barbosa (L shoulder sprain) and F James Michael McAdoo (L foot, toe sprain) are listed as out.
Lakers: F Kobe Bryant (R shoulder soreness) and G D’Angelo Russell (sore throat) are listed as out.
ROSTER NOTE
Warriors F Kevon Looney is on assignment with the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA Development League.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors have won seven of the last nine meetings, including a 111-77 victory on Nov. 24 at Oracle Arena.
QUOTABLE
“We have a good chance, especially with how we’re rolling.” – Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr., to the Los Angeles Daily News, on facing the Warriors Tuesday night.