Preview: Warriors vs Raptors

Coming off a miraculous win in Utah, the Warriors (8-6) square off against the NBA doormat Raptors (1-12) tonight at 7:30pm in the Arena.

vs

Warriors.com Preview | Mercury News Preview | Yahoo Preview | USA Today Preview

These are the kind of games the Warriors need to win. No excuses. The Raptors have a bright future (Chris Bosh and Charlie Villanueva), but right now they are one of the worst teams in the league. Come April if the Warriors are battling for the final playoff spot in the West or for higher seeding, these are the games they will either be glad they handled or regret big time for losing.

The Raptors may not be that good, but they are definitely giving it their all. They are coming off a 3 point loss against the Clippers and a 2 point loss in Sacramento. If the Warriors don't take them seriously, this could be a close game. Let's hope they come out strong and set the tone from the very beginning.

Limiting Raptors forwards Chris Bosh and Charlie Villanueva is crucial for the Warriors. If Bosh doesn't get his 20-10, then the Warriors should be able to cruise to a victory. Baron needs to step up his defense and hold Mike James to under his 17.5ppg.

Offensively the Warriors need to try something new. The loss of Pietrus is really showing. The Dubs don't have that spark off the bench or another fearless competitor to take it to the rack almost will.

How about the Warriors have a special rule tonight? No 3 point attempts the whole game. This could get Baron dropping more dimes and jacking up less treys. The Warriors are at their best when they take it strong to the hoop and draw fouls. Playing like this gets some easy hook-shots for Foyle and some dunks for Biendrins as well.

The Warriors should put on a clinic tonight.