A franchise the Warriors see mostly when they sneak a peak into the final weeks of the season is hours away from coming face-to-face with the defending champions.
The Chicago Bulls, who own the NBA record for wins in a season – going 72-10 in 1995-96 – will greet the Warriors on Wednesday at United Center. Though today’s Bulls are not nearly as great as those of 20 years ago, this bunch is quite formidable.
The Warriors (38-4), months away from what could be considered a legitimate pursuit of 73 wins, understand their immediate goal is trying to win two of three road games before returning to the Bay Area this weekend. The lost at Detroit Saturday before winning in Cleveland on Monday.
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The Bulls (24-16) are 16-7 at home under rookie coach Fred Hoiberg. They have fought through several injuries as well as some internal conflict revealed last month when guard Jimmy Butler called out Hoiberg for being too soft on the team.
BETTING LINE
Warriors by 7.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Golden State Warriors
Klay Thompson vs. Jimmy Butler -- This has fabulous possibilities insofar as these two generally are considered the top two-way shooting guards in the league. The difference, however, is that Butler often shoulders a heavier burden due to the inconsistency and frequent absences of point guard Derrick Rose. The Warriors often find ways to win without a major contribution Thompson. The Bulls have a much tougher time winning without Butler leading the charge.
LAST 10
Warriors: 8-2
Bulls: 6-4.
INJURY REPORT
Warriors: F James Michael McAdoo (L foot toe sprain) is listed as out.
Bulls: G Kirk Hinrich (L quad contusion), F Joakim Noah (L shoulder surgery) and F Mike Dunleavy (back surgery recovery) are listed as out.
SERIES HISTORY
The Warriors won the first meeting this season, 106-94, on Nov. 20 at Oracle Arena and are seeking a two-game sweep of the Bulls for the first time since 2000-01. The Warriors are 6-8 against Chicago since 2008.
QUOTABLE
“We obviously understand where their place is in history with that regular season and what potentially we could be at the end of this year. But it’s really hard and it’s a waste of energy thinking about chasing them, per se, as opposed to what we need to do focus on being at our best come April. If we happen to creep up close to that record, go get it. But it’s not here yet.” – Steph Curry on the single-season wins record