Warriors Take on Suns on Opening Night: Preview, Probable Starters

October 23, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) shoots the ball against Phoenix Suns center Marcin Gortat (4) during the third quarter at ORACLE Arena. The Warriors defeated the Suns 107-92. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

We’re finally here. The long awaited opener on Halloween night. The Warriors will take on the Suns in their opener for the NBA season.

In the last game of the pre-season, the Warriors routed the Suns without Stephen Curry, while Suns had their full lineup playing. What does that mean for opening night?

Goran Dragic is clearly no match for Stephen Curry, but he has his days. Curry will be in the starting lineup, and should be moving 100%, not having any trouble to guard the Nash-prodigy. Curry shouldn’t have time dropping dimes either, as he is a true point guard. If the plan goes as follows, Jarrett Jack will come in and allow Curry to move over to the two-guard, resembling a Monta-Curry backcourt, which worked inconsistently.

Klay Thompson, David Lee, and Harrison Barnes, are all looking to start off strong seasons. Lee is playoff hungry, Thompson is a budding star who wants a breakout season, and Barnes is a rookie who wants to release all his energy to make his team better. He and Thompson will look to have the defenders running in circles.

While all of this is based on speculation, one thing that is for certain is that the Warriors are very weak at the center position. Marcin Gortat may end up dominating Festus Ezeli, as injured starter Andrew Bogut is questionable for tonight. I think all Warrior fans agree with me in saying that Bogut should take as much time as he needs in order to get back into it fully. The Warriors have literally every position covered, and more off the bench such as Brandon Rush.

Every stat and individual matchup indicates the Warriors winning this game. Lee can outrun Luis Scola, and Ezeli can maybe outrun Gortat. Curry will teach Dragic how it’s done, and Klay Thompson will drain threes in Michael Beasley’s face.

Most agree that all these are the most likely outcomes of each matchup, but what we don’t account for is the thrill of opening night. Plus, the Warriors aren’t at home. The Suns could use some Halloween magic, but are they going to get any?

Probable Starters

Golden State Warriors

Stephen Curry – PG

Klay Thompson – SG

Harrison Barnes – SF

David Lee – PF

Andrew Bogut – C

Phoenix Suns

Goran Dragic – PG

Jared Dudley – SG

Michael Beasley – SF

Luis Scola – PF

Martin Gortat – C