For the second time in two months, a loss to the rival Houston Rockets left the Warriors disgusted. They were displeased with their preparation and performance, and they concede they deserve what they got.
So it’s back to basics, beginning Monday in Charlotte where the Warriors face the Hornets. Coverage on NBC Sports Bay Area begins at 3 p.m. PT with Warriors Pregame Live. Tipoff at Spectrum Center is scheduled for 4:05.
After a stretch during which they won 16 of 17 games, the Warriors (42-16) have lost two of their last three. They’ve been outhustled, they’ve lost composure and they’ve been left to mull over the undesired results.
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SIGN UP HERE Can this four-game trip through the Eastern Conference help the Warriors regain their footing? They’ve won 15 of their last 17 road games.
“The road is always a good place to regroup,” coach Steve Kerr said Sunday in North Carolina. “You’re together. You’ve got a lot of time to bond. The road is always a little more dangerous. Home games are a little more comfortable. Comfortable is not good right now. We need to be on edge.”
If recent history is any indication, they’ll have a good chance to do so against the Hornets (28-31). The Warriors have won nine of the last 12 meetings, and haven’t lost in Charlotte since Dec. 9, 2013.
PROJECTED LINEUPS
Golden State Warriors
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Warriors
F – Kevin Durant
F – Draymond Green
C – DeMarcus Cousins
G – Klay Thompson
G – Stephen Curry
Hornets
F – Miles Bridges
F – Marvin Williams
C – Cody Zeller
F – Nicolas Batum
G – Kemba Walker
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: Forwards Jordan Bell (illness) and Draymond Green (left ankle sprain) are listed as questionable. Guard Jacob Evans III is on assignment with the G-League Santa Cruz Warriors. Center Damian Jones (left pectoral surgery) is listed as out.
Hornets: No injuries reported.
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ROTATION OUTLOOK
Warriors: Though Green is listed as questionable, he was a full participant in practice Sunday, leading to the expectation that he will play. ... If Green is a late scratch, the Warriors have several options for the starting lineup, including forwards Andre Iguodala, Jonas Jerebko and Alfonzo McKinnie. If Bell is cleared before tipoff, he also could be considered. ... Durant has 1,542 career 3-pointers, and needs one more to pass ex-Warrior Tim Hardaway and move into 27th place on the all-time list.
Hornets: Guard Jeremy Lamb has been the team’s most dangerous reserve, averaging 15.0 ppg (second on the team) and posting 10 games with at least 20 points. Only Walker, who leads the team in scoring (25.1), has more. ... The Warriors can’t expect many gifts. The Hornets average an NBA-best 11.9 turnovers per game. ... Second-year pro Malik Monk is fourth on the team in scoring (10.0 ppg) has been wildly inconsistent. He’s 3-of-21 from deep over the past six games. ... The Hornets are 3-24 this season when trailing after three quarters. ... Trivia: Charlotte is 4-0 at home on Monday nights this season.
Officials: Brian Forte (chief), Eric Dalen, JB DeRosa