National Basketball Association

Atlanta Hawks @ Golden State Warriors: Game 18 Preview

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 8:49 p.m. ET

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Nov 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 115-102. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden State Warriors (15-2) will be hosting the Atlanta Hawks (10-7) at Oracle Arena.

Where to watch- FSSE, CSBA

Tip Off- 10:30 P.M.

Pre-Game Notes

Starting Line-ups for tonight’s game

Golden State Warriors

With Draymond Green questionable, Kevon Looney will most likely get the nod in his place again tonight. The Offense took some time to get going last game however, they did piece it together and play an efficient game that got better as the game went on. Tonight the Dubs should be in sync now that the adjustment has been made.

Point Guard- Stephen Curry

Shooting Guard- Klay Thompson

Center- Zaza Pachulia

Power Forward- Kevon Looney

Small Forward- Kevin Durant

118.4 Points Per Game (1st)- 44.1 Rebounds Per Game (12th)- 105.2 Points Allowed (19th)- 31.5 Assists Per Game (1st)

Atlanta Hawks

There are no notable changes to the Atlanta Hawks starting five. They will be looking to bounce back from a few bad games and will definitely play with appropriate fear as the road team coming into the infamous Oracle Arena.

Point Guard- Dennis Schroder

Shooting Guard- Kyle Korver

Center- Dwight Howard

Power Forward- Paul Millsap

Small Forward- Kent Bazemore

101.6 Points Per Game (23rd)- 45.1 Rebounds Per Game (10th)- 99.1 Points Allowed (9th)- 23.8 Assists Per Game (6th)

Nov 26, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves Luol Deng (C) controls the ball between Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) and guard Klay Thompson (11) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Hawks and Warriors play at different paces and this will have an effect on particular match-ups.

Point Guards with contrasting styles

If there was ever an antithesis to the two-time MVP (save for Russell Westbrook), Dennis Schroder would definitely be it. Stephen Curry will do what he does usually tonight and that will bode well for the Golden State Warriors. Schroder is a big part of the Hawks transition and half-court attack as he is lightning quick and is adept at dribble penetration.

The young guard is hungry for a role as the franchise point guard and is showcasing improvement game by game although his decision-making is flawed sometimes. Stephen Curry will have his hands full with Dennis Schroder pick and rolls and I am certain the Golden State Warriors are aware of this as well. This game will be yet another test for the improving interior defense of the Dubs tonight.

We all know Curry will hold is own most likely beyond that put on his own exhibition, however we cannot ignore the rising star guard, Dennis Schroder, as one of many focal points for the defense.

An interesting set of wings take flight against one another

Kevin Durant is obviously established as a dominant impact player on the Golden State Warriors. There is no doubt he will deliver tonight as he last night. There is no reason, barring a stagnant offense, that Kevin Durant would not be his usual self for the Warriors against this Hawks basketball team.

Even with a stagnant offense, KD is still one of the best isolation scorers in the league. However, the true narrative is that of Kent Bazemore who has become a big time impact player for his own team. Bazemore has improved his scoring, passing, and has become a stout defender with good foot speed along with great physical tools.

All of these attributes that highlight Bazemore will be put to the greatest test as he will be competing with the 2011 MVP in probably his best form while being supported by a historically great offensive system that fits Kevin Durant like a glove. The Hawks’ young wing player will definitely have to bring it tonight and chances are he will. The match-up should be fun to watch for a number of reasons.

The Dwight Howard challenge

There has been a big revelation in Atlanta and it is the resurgence of their dominant big man, Dwight Howard. He absolutely changes the dynamic of the game with his defensive prowess. He also plays alongside an elite two-way power forward who is Paul Millsap.

This frontline is no joke and they anchor a stout Hawks Defense that grabs 45+ rebounds a night and only gives up 99.1 points per game in a fast paced NBA. Dwight will dominate the Interior on both ends of the floor and Paul Millsap does a little bit of everything making him an equal threat to the Golden State Warriors.

The Dubs will need to defend these guys and keep them off of the glass all night long, and they will need to do it by committee. This task is not impossible, but we can be sure that the coaching staff and players of the Warriors will not take this task lightly.

With all of the Hawks struggles considered and the Warriors current tear, it is easy to call this a no contest however, The Hawks are playoff team because of their ability to bounce back. This one will be tight.

The Golden State Warriors will take this one in slug fest; Final Score- Warriors 108, Hawks 99