Golden State Warriors vs Toronto Raptors Prediction: Home comfort for Warriors, Raptors having tough season

It is the NBA trade deadline fervor and we are less than two weeks away from the deadline. This is a big deal because this is where teams find out what offers they get and how can they improve the condition of their team. Headlines related to trade rumors fascinate each day as the duo of Shams Charania and Adrian Wojranowski get busy. Two teams that can be active in the trade market meet here as the Golden State Warriors duke it out against the Toronto Raptors.

The Warriors enter the game after defeating the Grizzlies 122:120 as Stephen Curry rolled in 34 points. They have won four out of the last seven after they had a three-game losing streak and this sums up their season. They have 24 wins and 24 losses, woefully short of the expectations for a team that won the championship last season. They have dug a hole for themselves and until there is a big turnaround, their title defense looks in jeopardy.

Stephen Curry has been fascinating once again but it is the defensive end where Golden State has lost the plot. The commitment isn’t even close to what it was the last season and although the Warriors are historically known as a turnovers-prone squad, things have become tricky because they made up for lost possessions on the offensive end. The team is in need of various trades at this point.

The Raptors enter the affair after defeating the Kings 113:95 as Pascal Siakam had 26 points and 11 rebounds. They have won two in a row but in an extended window, they have lost four of their last seven games. Due to their inconsistencies, the Raps have been reduced to 27 losses and have just 22 wins. They are amidst a tough seven-game road trip and there is a chance that we can see Gary Trent and OG Anunoby being moved, or maybe one of them.

That can happen because after raising hopes last season, Toronto has suffered for most parts. And that is a surprise because Pascal Siakam is having the best season of his life in all regards, which has taken him to just another level. Fred Van Vleet has had his moments too while rookie Scottie Barnes keeps on displaying a lot of chops. However, it may be time to search for a new core. Perhaps bolstering the bench could have helped too.

• Warriors: OUT: Andre Iguodala. QUESTIONABLE: Andrew Wiggins;
• Raptors: OUT: Otto Porter Jr. QUESTIONABLE: Dalano Banton.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Stephen Curry(30+ Points), Pascal Siakam(27-33 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Draymond Green(9-12 Rebounds), Precious Achiuwa(9-11 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Draymond Green(7-9 Assists), Scottie Barnes(6-8 Assists).

The Warriors have been inconsistent throughout the season and lately, they have shocked their fans by underperforming even at home. The win against the Grizzlies may have boosted the confidence and it isn’t like they will face a Raptors team that has made a lot of noise. The Raps have won two in a row and the win against the Kings was surprising so perhaps that can take their campaign somewhere. However, I expect Golden State to win here with a scoreline of 123:116.