Golden State Warriors vs Washington-Wizards January 18th 2025

At 8:30 ET, the Golden State Warriors (-889) will host the Washington Wizards (+595) in a non-conference matchup. The over/under line is set at 228.5.

Golden State is favored by 13.5 points and enters the game with a record of 20-20. The Wizards are 6-33 and have lost eight straight games. NBCS will have the TV coverage for this game, which will be played at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

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Wizards vs. Warriors Key Information

Washington’s season record dropped to 6-33 after a 130-123 loss to the Suns on Thursday. The Wizards were +11.5 point underdogs but managed to cover the spread, losing by seven. The game’s total of 253 points exceeded the O/U line of 231.5 by 21.5 points.

The Suns went on an 11-0 run early, and Washington trailed 104-83 going into the 4th quarter. The Wizards outscored Phoenix 40-26 in the final period but couldn’t complete the comeback.

Kyshawn George led the Wizards with 24 points, hitting 6 threes at a 75% rate in their 130-123 loss to the Suns. Overall, the Wizards shot 31.7% from deep, making 13 threes, while finishing with a 50% field goal percentage.

George added 10 points in the 4th quarter, while Corey Kispert contributed 8 of his 14 points in the 3rd quarter. Jordan Poole finished with 18 points, despite shooting 37.5% from the field.

Defensively, the Wizards struggled against the Suns, allowing 130 points on 51% shooting. Washington gave up 34 points in the 1st quarter and 35 in both the 2nd and 3rd, though they tightened up in the 4th, allowing 26 points.

From beyond the arc, the Wizards allowed Phoenix to hit 16 threes at a 48% clip. The Suns also went to the line 31 times, making 26 free throws. Washington recorded 13 steals and 4 blocks in the game.

Golden State moved to 20-20 on the season with a 116-115 road win over the Timberwolves on Wednesday. The Warriors, who entered the game as +7 point underdogs, not only won but also covered the spread. The total score of 231 points went over the pre-game line of 217.

Golden State started strong with a 13-0 run and led 34-12 after the 1st quarter. Minnesota fought back, outscoring the Warriors in each of the last three quarters, but Golden State held on for the win after entering the 4th quarter with an 87-78 lead.

Stephen Curry knocked down 7 threes at a 58.3% clip, finishing with 31 points and 8 assists in the Warriors’ win over the Timberwolves. Golden State hit 18 threes as a team, shooting 50% from deep and 48.8% overall from the field.

Andrew Wiggins added 24 points, with 11 coming in the 3rd quarter. Buddy Hield contributed 18 points, including 8 in the 4th, while Dennis Schröder scored 6 of his 12 points in both the 1st and 3rd quarters.

The Warriors’ defense shined in the 1st quarter, holding the Timberwolves to just 12 points, but they struggled in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters, allowing 30, 36, and 37 points, respectively. Despite giving up 115 points, Golden State managed to secure the win.

Defensively, the Warriors allowed Minnesota to shoot 44% from the field, including 45% from three-point range, where the Timberwolves made 17 threes. Golden State also sent Minnesota to the line 29 times, where they made 22 free throws. The Warriors finished with 8 steals and 5 blocks.

Coming in as the underdogs at +13.5, we have the Wizards as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 228.5 and our model has the Wizards and Warriors finishing with a combined 232 points. Our pick is to take the over.

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Wizards Struggling as Jordan Poole Returns to Face Warriors

Jordan Poole makes his highly anticipated return to San Francisco on Saturday as the Washington Wizards visit the Golden State Warriors. Poole, who was a key contributor during the Warriors’ 2022 championship run, faces his former team amid Washington’s ongoing struggles, while Golden State looks to build momentum with Draymond Green expected to return.

Poole’s Journey: From Golden State to Washington

Poole was drafted by the Warriors in 2019, and after four seasons in the Bay Area, he was traded to the Wizards in July 2023 as part of a deal for Chris Paul. His final season in Golden State saw him average a career-best 20.4 points per game, but a highly publicized altercation with Draymond Green during the 2022 training camp contributed to his eventual exit.

Despite the fallout, Poole played a key role in the Warriors’ 2022 championship, delivering big moments, including two 30-point games in the playoffs.

He has faced Golden State three times since the trade, including once in San Francisco, where he scored 25 points in a 129-118 loss in December 2023. However, Poole has yet to lead his new team to a win against his former squad, with Stephen Curry outscoring him in all three matchups (24.0 PPG vs. 20.3 PPG).

Poole and Wizards in a Slump

Poole enters this game averaging a career-high 21.4 points per game, but both he and the Wizards are struggling.

• Washington has lost eight straight games
• Poole has averaged just 17.0 points in his last three contests
• His shooting percentages have dipped significantly: 36.2% overall, 25.9% from three

With his return to San Francisco, Poole will have a chance to silence the crowd and prove he can lead Washington against his former squad.

Warriors Looking to Stay on Track with Green’s Return

Golden State is also navigating an inconsistent season, but they secured a solid road win over Minnesota on Wednesday and now return home with a rested lineup.

A key storyline is the expected return of Draymond Green, who missed the last three games due to illness. Green acknowledged his regrets over the infamous incident with Poole, calling it one of his biggest failures as a veteran leader.

“One of my biggest failures as a vet was the incident with Jordan Poole,” Green said. “It took me to go through that failure with him, who was someone who came in and chose his locker to be next to me because he wanted to learn from me, and I (messed) it all up. I haven’t felt that miserably (about) most things in my life. It taught me a ton.”

Green had one of his best games of the season against Washington in November, contributing 18 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in a 125-112 Warriors win.

Meanwhile, Curry and Poole each scored 24 points in that game, and rookie Alex Sarr delivered a double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks) for Washington.

Rising Star: Alex Sarr Making His Mark

While all eyes will be on Poole vs. the Warriors, Washington rookie Alex Sarr continues to impress.

• Scored in double figures in 16 of his last 17 games
• Averaging two blocks per game over his last three contests
• Emphasizing defensive versatility, showing the ability to guard the perimeter as well as protect the rim

“I didn’t feel too out of my comfort zone,” Sarr said. “It’s just being able to roam around, covering ground, and helping anywhere on the court.”

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With Deni Avdija (sprained ankle) listed as doubtful, Sarr’s defensive impact will be even more critical for Washington.

Can Poole and the Wizards Snap Their Losing Streak?

While Golden State has dominated Washington in their recent matchups, Poole will be extra motivated to deliver a standout performance in front of the Warriors’ home crowd.

However, the Wizards are struggling, while the Warriors get a rested squad and the return of Draymond Green.

Can Poole finally lead Washington to a win against Golden State, or will Curry and the Warriors maintain their dominance over their former teammate? Saturday night’s game in San Francisco will provide the answer.