UPDATE (3:07 PM PST on Saturday): Warriors interim head coach Luke Walton announced that Harrison Barnes will start vs the Pistons.
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After showing signs of fatigue in the last two games, both at Oracle Arena, the Warriors hope to refresh themselves with the bracing breezes of the Midwest.
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And they’re likely to do with a change in the recent routine, as interim coach Luke Walton likely will return small forward Harrison Barnes to the starting lineup Saturday, when the Warriors open a three-game road trip against the Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
The good news is that Barnes’ return suggests the Warriors (37-3) are fairly healthy. The bad news is that Detroit (21-18) is too.
[POOLE: Road trip to impact Warriors' chance for wins record]
The Warriors often find their mojo on the road, where they are 18-3 this season, even though they are coming off a road loss at Denver on Wednesday.
Golden State Warriors
The defending champs have not lost two in a row on the road since last April.
The Pistons, coached by Alhambra High (Martinez) product Stan Van Gundy, are 13-6 at home and have won four of their last five there, with the only loss coming to the powerful San Antonio Spurs.
BETTING LINE
Warriors by 6.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Andrew Bogut and Festus Ezeli vs. Andre Drummond: Drummond is a brute force, posting double-doubles in 33 of 39 games and leading the league in rebounding (15.3). His 17.8 points per game ranks third among centers. If Bogut and Ezeli can keep Drummond from owning the paint, they will have done their job.
LAST 10
Warriors: 8-2. Pistons: 4-6.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: F James Michael McAdoo (L foot toe sprain) is listed as doubtful.
Pistons: G Jodie Meeks (R foot fracture) is listed as out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors have won the last nine meetings, their longest win streak over the Pistons since winning 10 in a row from 1970 to 1972. The Warriors have not lost at Detroit since Nov. 7, 2010 and are seeking their fifth consecutive season sweep.