When: 10:30 p.m. EST
Where: Oracle Arena
Watch: YES Network, Fox Sports GO
Listen: 101.9 FM, 660 AM
The Brooklyn Nets suffered yet another heartbreaking loss Sunday night to the Los Angeles Clippers, and to make matters worse, they face the NBA Champions on the road on game four of their five-game road trip on Tuesday.
Golden State has looked like a team that’s going through the motions, waiting for the playoffs for most of the season. But with the Houston Rockets’ rise to prominence, the Warriors will battle to try to close the season strong and grab the top Western Conference seed.
Brooklyn can’t expect the Warriors to take it easy on them, as Golden State can’t afford to drop these games down the stretch. The Warriors are currently on a five-game winning streak and coming off three days rest, so expect them to come out the gates firing.
As for the Nets, they can’t be intimidated by their opponent. This is a great team with a tough atmosphere, but Brooklyn almost came back from a 27-point deficit in their first matchup. The Nets are still waiting for the right place and time on the road to finish out a win, and perhaps the team will find inspiration at Golden State and play the role of playoff spoiler.
Three things to watch for
Can Caris LeVert build on his career night?
Caris LeVert went off against the Clippers Sunday night, dropping a career-high 27 points to go along with five rebounds and five assists. Caris has shown growth as the season has progressed, but if he continues on this track, Kenny Atkinson might have to consider starting him at some point and see how he reacts to it. Young guys need confidence to take the next step, and career nights like the one LeVert had could be the spark that he needed.
Dante Cunningham’s defense
Dante Cunningham has filled in beautifully for what Atkinson has asked him to do. He has rebounded well, defended the pick-and-roll and is even showing the ability to stretch the floor.
The Warriors usually go to their “death” lineup late in games, which puts Draymond Green at center. If Cunningham can be a pest defensively, giving Draymond no daylight to sit back and initiate the offense, that can make this Warriors team a little less dangerous.
DeMarre Carroll
DeMarre Carroll has arguably been the Nets’ most consistent contributor. Almost every game, fans know what they’re going to get out of him — solid defense, a knockdown shooter and hustle. He has found a return to form with the Brooklyn Nets that he did not see in Toronto, and if Brooklyn wants to close the season strong, Carroll is going to be the catalyst.
