Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors: Predictions, Starting Lineups (12/22/23)
The Washington Wizards (5-22) meet the Golden State Warriors (13-14) this Friday (12/22/23). Get Wizards vs. Warriors moneyline and spread odds, as well as predictions, starting lineups, injuries, and key matchups below.
Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors Prediction
Washington ranks 29th in Defensive Rating and completely lacks an effective point-of-attack defense. Their guards struggle to navigate ball screens, and they frequently lose track of motion shooters. Therefore, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson should thrash them from deep and generate plenty of advantages.
The Wizards are also surrendering the third most restricted area field goal attempts, as well as the fourth largest restricted area field goal percentage (via NBA.com). Golden State leads the league in cut frequency, and players like Jonathan Kuminga and Kevon Looney will subsequently thrive, especially since Washington’s defenders can be caught ball watching.
Finally, the Wizards give up the largest offensive rebound rate, so Looney is in position to steal extra possessions for the Warriors, thus raising their efficiency margin for error.
Defensively, there are definitely concerns for Golden State. Their top two defenders (Green and Payton II) are out, and Golden State’s perimeter defense isn’t exactly sturdy. However, Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins are viable options to throw at Kyle Kuzma, while Moses Moody has shown intriguing flashes.
Overall, this matchup should be a high-scoring affair considering the weak defenses involved, but Golden State’s offense is on another level. Look for the Warriors to control this game from start to finish.
Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors Prediction: Warriors Winning at End of Every Quarter (-126 FD)
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Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors Best Odds
The Warriors enter this game as massive 12 point favorites. Washington needs to win this game about 17 percent of the time for their +500 moneyline to be profitable in the long run. The Wizards are 11th in cover percentage, while Golden State is 21st.
Washington Wizards Starting Lineup
PG: Tyus Jones
SG: Jordan Poole
SF: Deni Avdija
PF: Kyle Kuzma
C: Daniel Gafford
Golden State Warriors Starting Lineup
PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Brandin Podziemski
SF: Klay Thompson
PF: Jonathan Kuminga
C: Kevon Looney
Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors Injuries
Landry Shamet, Delon Wright, and Johnny Davis will miss the contest for Washington, while Draymond Green and Gary Payton II remain out for Golden State. Rookie Brandin Podziemski is also questionable too.
Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors Key Matchups
Brandin Podziemski’s Health
Podziemski has averaged 10.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over his past nine games. The rookie combo guard has injected much-needed shot-making into the lineup, and he fits well next to Steph Curry. Podziemski’s connective passing and hustle on defense has the gears running smoothly too. Essentially, he’s a player that can do the little things that impact winning. If Podziemski cannot suit up, then Golden State loses a valuable asset.
Jordan Poole Revenge Game
During Golden State’s 2022 championship run, Poole averaged 17 points on elite 50/39/91 shooting splits. Although his teammate relationships and on-court production soured in the following season, there is no denying his contributions. In fact, Golden State probably doesn’t win without Poole.
He essentially received all of the blame for last season, and the Warriors banished him to Washington in exchange for Chris Paul. Therefore, Poole will assuredly be extra motivated here to send a message to Golden State and their home crowd. If Poole goes nuclear, then Golden State may be in deep trouble here.
