Gameday: Warriors open seven-game trip against Hayward, Jazz

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With a seven-game road trip looming, four consecutive double-digit wins have provided the Warriors with a bit of a breather. Nobody benefitted more than reigning MVP Steph Curry.

Curry was able to sit out the fourth quarter in each of those victories, so he should be fresh when the Warriors begin their long journey with a game against the Utah Jazz on Monday night at Vivint Smart Home Arena.

The Warriors (18-0), off to the best start in NBA history, will be seeking their 23rd consecutive win, which would give them the league’s third-longest win streak.

Utah (8-7), gaining a reputation for stellar defense, is seeking its first three-game win streak of the season. Power forward Derrick Favors, who missed a game Saturday due to personal reasons, is expected to return to the starting lineup.

THE LINE

Warriors by 8.

MATCHUP TO WATCH

Brandon Rush & Andre Iguodala vs. Gordon Hayward -- Hayward is Utah’s most consistently dangerous scorer, as productive in the halfcourt as in transition. Normally a Harrison Barnes assignment, Hayward falls to Rush and Iguodala. The key for Warriors forwards is ball denial and preventing open looks beyond the arc. The Warriors can win without big offensive nights from Rush and Iguodala. The Jazz are in deep trouble without a huge offensive night from Hayward.

INJURY REPORT

Warriors: F Harrison Barnes (L ankle sprain) and F Kevon Looney (hip surgery) are listed as out.

Jazz: G Dante Exum (L knee surgery) is listed as out.

LAST 10

Warriors: 10-0, Jazz 5-5.

SERIES HISTORY

The Warriors have won seven of the last eight meetings, including three of the last four in Utah.

QUOTABLE

“When you have game after game on the road, there’s a lot of hostility. I’m sure we’ll have some fans that will travel around like we have so far. But you’ve got to bring your own energy. You’ve got to bring your own inspiration, motivation ... whatever you want to call it. And we’ve got to stick together.” – Curry on the tests that come with being on the road

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