What a difference a couple of days make. The Warriors werefeeling pretty good about their season-opening win against the Suns onWednesdaya road victory despite Stephen Curry and David Lee not shootingwellbut then came the home opener against Memphis on Friday.The Grizzlies beat the Warriors 94-84, and in the process,Golden State likely lost reserve forward Brandon Rush for an extended periodwith a left knee injury.The Warriors will try to pick up the pieces on Saturday nightin Los Angeles against the Clippers. Here are some things to watchfor:The center void: Center Andrew Bogut, whofractured his left ankle in January, is not expected to play in the second gameof back-to-backs for the next few weeks, at least.That means hell sit out Saturdays game, which will put theWarriors in a little bit of a tough spot against a Clippers front-line that isbig and athletic. Both DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin are tough matchups onthe interior for Golden State. Warriors coach Mark Jackson said both FestusEzeli and Andris Biedrins will likely play, and both of them will have theirhands full.Stakes raised for Barnes: With Rushexpected to miss significant time, it puts a little more pressure on rookieHarrison Barnes at small forward. Rush was a very nice safety net for Barnes,who has just two games under his belt.RATTO: Does Warriors home opener forecast doom?
Jackson will likely continue to start Barnes, but dont besurprised if we see more Klay Thompson at small forward, playing alongsideStephen Curry and Jarrett Jack.Defending Paul: Clippers point guardChris Paul is one of the most difficult point guards in the league to defend. Hesgot a consistent jump shot and one of the quickest first steps in thegame.Curry will likely get the first crack at Paul, but dont besurprised if Jack finds himself on Paul for a good chunk of the game.