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SAN FRANCISCO — On Saturday, the Warriors play the Lakers in the first game of the preseason and in the new Chase Center.
Understanding that players and coaches are not yet in regular-season shape, there are a few things worth monitoring that could provide real takeaways.
Atmosphere at the Chase Center
After 47 years at Oracle Arena in Oakland, an arena known for its loud home crowd, the Warriors will experience the Chase Center’s atmosphere for the first time.
On Friday, the team practiced on the court — rather than in the practice gym underneath the main floor — for the first time as to get a feel for what to expect in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Darker seating provides a better shooting backdrop for the players, according to coaches. Although one assistant coach expressed some apprehension over the bright ribbon lighting extending around the arena, hoping that it won’t be as bright during game time, which could throw some players off.
A state-of-the-art Jumbotron hangs over the new court that will be visible from virtually every seat in the house.
“It feels like they did a really good job keeping the seats as close to the floor as possible. This feels pretty intimate, so I think we’re going to have a really loud atmosphere in here,” said Steve Kerr. “But we’ll see.”
Stephen Curry and D’Angelo Russell
Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and D’Angelo Russell will see a light workload on Saturday — no more than 20 minutes each.
However, those minutes will provide the first glimpse at Golden State’s new backcourt pairing. During training camp, Russell has joined Curry in his post-practice shooting routine. Warriors coaches understand that it will take some time for Curry and Russell to learn how to play together, but Saturday’s game will provide a baseline.
Expect to see more set plays (pick-and-roll with Russell and Curry, and horns sets with Green initiating the offense from the high post) in order to offset the lack of familiarity that allows for improvisation.
Center depth
Kevon Looney and Willie Cauley-Stein are expected to get the bulk of the minutes at center, but Omari Spellman has an opportunity to snag a few. With Looney (hamstring) and Cauley-Stein (foot sprain) out with injuries, Spellman will start at center for the Warriors Saturday. Marquese Chriss, who is on a training camp deal, will come off the bench.
Since the middle of the summer, Spellman has lost almost 40 pounds and is nearing his ideal playing weight. Teammates have already lauded Spellman’s ability to make shots and ball skills, but he’ll be the first to admit that the concern is on defense. Coaches will be watching his rotations and ability to close out and protect the rim.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis
Lakers coach Frank Vogle on Friday told reporters both LeBron James and Anthony Davis are expected to play Saturday. Not only will it be the first look at L.A.’s star duo, but it will also provide a litmus test for the Warriors. Specifically: who guards James?
The Warriors have a hole to fill on the perimeter so long as Klay Thompson remains sidelined while rehabbing a torn ACL. The Lakers have several lineup options that could dictate this matchup, but it will be interesting to see who Kerr inserts into the starting lineup, and who gets the James assignment.
The young guys
Conditioning will be a factor, so Kerr plans to play everyone who is active. Shot making could be a concern, with players needing to knock the rust off. What Kerr will be watching for, then, is decision making.
“There’s so many young guys, I want them to show that they recognize our execution on both ends. What are we trying to do scheme-wise, what our terminology is, can they make a call and get right into the action on both ends,” Kerr said. “So that’s sort of the first step towards understanding an identity, and those guys understanding what’s being asked of them. It will be good to see it in a game setting.”
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