It’s been a frustrating run for the Golden State Warriors, following up last year’s NBA title with a 24-24 start that is slow, at least by their standards. On Wednesday, they got their 24th win of the season despite having top scorer Stephen Curry ejected with 1:14 left in regulation. Curry got frustrated with teammate Jordan Poole for what he considered an unwise three-point attempt, clapped his hands at Poole and threw his mouthpiece off the court and near courtside seats – an automatic ejection. This was Curry’s third career ejection (all for throwing his mouthpiece) but the first since 2017. Curry had a game-high 43 points, going 10 of 19 from the floor, including 4 of 10 from three-point land. He made 10 of 11 free throws. Even so, the Warriors were able to hold onto the two-point lead they had at his ejection and stop a tough Memphis team. Check out our NBA betting picks for a couple of Friday night’s games, including the Warriors’ showdown with the Toronto Raptors.
NBA News: Top Betting Picks for the Weekend
→ Friday, January 27
Cleveland Cavaliers (+1.5) at Oklahoma City Thunder (O/U 221.5) (8:00 pm ET)
Cleveland (30-20) comes in having dropped three of their last five, but they won their last game against Houston, 113-95. The Cavs beat Oklahoma City in their first meeting up in Cleveland, 110-102, shooting 47.1% from the floor overall, including 37.5% from three-point land. The Cavs had 18 points off turnovers and 54 points in the paint, pulling down 48 rebounds. They dished out 25 assists while turning the ball over just 13 times. For the season, Cleveland is scoring 111.5 points per game and shooting 48.4% overall, including 36.3% on three-point shooting. They permit 107.2 points per game and permit a 46.6% shooting percentage. The Cavs won’t have Donovan Mitchell (groin), so Darius Garland will be the top scorer on the floor, putting up 21.7 points per game. Caris LeVert should also get more action in Mitchell’s absence.
Oklahoma City (23-25) has won three of five but lost their last game to Atlanta, 137-132. In their earlier loss to Cleveland, they shot 45.8% from the floor, including 34.5% from behind the arc. They had 17 points off turnovers and scored 54 points inside, dishing out 25 assists while turning the ball over just 11 times. They grabbed 40 rebounds in the loss. The Thunder score 116.9 points per game and shoot 46.7% overall, including 35.9% from behind the arc. They permit 116 points per game and an opponent shooting percentage of 46.5%. The team is led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who puts up 30.8 points and 5.6 assists per game; he had 23 in the earlier loss to Cleveland. Lunguentz Dort is the only OKC player expected to miss Friday’s game. Thunder to win and cover.
Toronto Raptors (+5.5) at Golden State Warriors (O/U 234.5) (10:00 pm ET)
Toronto (22-27) continues a seven-game Western Conference swing on Friday night at Golden State. The Warriors beat Toronto up in Canada, 126-110, in December. The Raptors started their road trip in fine form, routing Sacramento, 113-95, on Wednesday, dominating the paint with 58 points. Pascal Siakam was the top scorer with 26 points, and he also grabbed 11 rebounds and dealt out seven assists. Precious Achiuwa went 9 of 12 from the floor and scored 19 points. Fred VanVleet chipped in 17. While Toronto leads the league in turnover percentage (10.5%) and are fourth in offensive rebound percentage (27.2%), they only shoot 33.4% from behind the arc (28th) and give up 114.4 points per 100 possessions (tied for 18th).
Golden State (24-24) continues to play inconsistent ball this season, having dropped six of their last 11 without winning two in a row at any point in that time. Their win over Memphis was impressive, as Jordan Poole atoned for the ugly three-pointer with a buzzer-beating layup. The Warriors went 14 of 32 from behind the arc, continuing a team trend of leading the league in three-point shots made per 100 possessions (15.9). The Warriors might not have Andrew Wiggins (non-COVID illness); Wiggins also missed Wednesday’s game. Raptors to cover.
NBA Betting Odds
Love betting NBA basketball? | Xbet Sportsbook offers up to date NBA lines
