The back-to-back NBA champion, Golden State Warriors are at it again gunning for a third straight championship. They didn’t sit quietly, while other teams tried to keep up in the arms race, Golden State went out and signed All-NBA center DeMarcus Cousins as a free agent for the mid-level exception. With the departure of some veterans and some new additions to the roster, let’s take a look at the top three games of the Warriors’ 2018-2019 regular season schedule.
These matchups should add some value and intrigue to Golden State’s quest on capturing their fourth title in five years. Additionally, these games should help prepare Golden State in their playoff run as they could face all three of these teams in the postseason.
Warriors vs. Lakers on December 25, 2018
The biggest Christmas for NBA fans will be wrapped with a nice shiny bow when the Lakers visit the Warriors at Oracle Arena on Christmas Day in their first matchup of the regular season since LeBron James decided to with one of the most pristine franchises in the history of the sport.
It will feature James, the modern generation’s best player and a star-potential cast of young guns pitted against the back-to-back juggernaut Warriors. The game will feature a newly formed Northern California-Southern California rivalry that has precipitated suddenly with the Warriors becoming a dynasty and the Lakers acquiring the game’s best player. The two franchises have not been this good at the same time for a while. A major Christmas present for California NBA fans.
The pressure will be on the Warriors to deliver a win over the Lakers, being the favored team to win, according to Las Vegas odds via The Action Network. Golden State is favored to win by more than 10 points, which seems crazy because the Lakers have the best player in the league. But at the same time, it doesn’t seem crazy because of the powerful dynasty the Warriors have created with an improved system and culture.
Not only will the game get the fans hyped about it, but the players should be ready to play. Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and the rest of the Warriors should be prepared to take on James and the young, promising core of the Lakers.
This is the Christmas Day game fans wanted to see and now, they’ve got it. The revenue and ratings will certainly increase due to the matchup and the two giant basketball markets playing on Christmas. Houston had their opportunity to play against the Warriors on Christmas this year, but now, let’s see what Los Angeles can do against this all-time great team.
Next Up: Game 2
