Indiana Pacers vs Golden State Warriors Picks and Predictions January 10th 2025

Stephen Curry Seeks Redemption Against Pacers Amid Winning Streak

Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors face the Indiana Pacers on Friday night in Indianapolis, with the Warriors looking to build on a narrow victory over the Detroit Pistons. Meanwhile, the Pacers, winners of four straight, aim to continue their strong form at home.

Warriors Rely on Curry Amid Roster Uncertainty

Curry, fresh off a tough shooting night in Detroit where he went 2-for-14 from beyond the arc, will aim to rediscover his long-range precision against a Pacers team that stifled him in their last matchup. Despite his struggles, Curry contributed with 17 points and 10 rebounds in the Warriors’ 107-104 win over the Pistons, helping snap a two-game skid.

Golden State faces mounting challenges, with key players like Andrew Wiggins (personal reasons), Jonathan Kuminga, and Moses Moody unavailable. Head coach Steve Kerr has already rested Curry and Draymond Green on back-to-backs this season and declared both as game-time decisions for Friday.

Wiggins, who also missed the Detroit game, will not be with the team in Indiana. Kerr provided no timeline for his return. The Warriors will need contributions from their bench, especially in light of potential rest days for Curry or Green.

Pacers Riding Momentum

The Indiana Pacers (4-0 in their last four games) have been dominant, averaging victories by more than 15 points. They’ve defeated strong opponents like the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns during their streak and most recently dispatched the Chicago Bulls 129-113 on Wednesday.

Tyrese Haliburton, who has been the engine of the Pacers’ offense, played through an ankle injury against the Bulls and is listed as questionable for Friday. Myles Turner, who missed the Chicago game due to illness, is also questionable. If Turner sits, Thomas Bryant has proven to be a reliable backup, delivering 22 points and eight rebounds against Chicago.

“He seemed to always be in the right place at the right time,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said of Bryant.

Key Matchup: Curry vs. Pacers’ Perimeter Defense

Curry was held to just 10 points on 2-for-9 shooting from three-point range in the Warriors’ Dec. 23 loss to the Pacers. Indiana’s defense will again look to disrupt Curry’s rhythm, forcing the Warriors to rely on other scorers like Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole.

Haliburton and Turner, if healthy, will be critical for the Pacers to maintain their defensive and offensive balance. Haliburton’s playmaking (16 points and 12 assists in their last meeting) has been pivotal during the Pacers’ streak.

Discover How Gino Russo and Top NBA Handicappers Use Patience to Boost Their Win Rate

What’s at Stake

The Warriors (19-18) aim to regain momentum during a tough four-game road trip that continues with stops in Toronto and Minnesota. For the Pacers (21-16), extending their win streak would solidify their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

With both teams navigating injuries and seeking consistency, Friday’s game promises a compelling clash of strategies and star power. Whether Curry’s sharpshooting returns or Indiana’s balanced attack prevails, fans can expect a thrilling showdown in Indianapolis.