Golden State Warriors: Predicting their November record

The Golden State Warriors sprinted to an 8-1 start in October, thanks to strong play from Stephen Curry. How will things shake out in November?

The Golden State Warriors stifled a yawn as they cruised to an early 8-1 record in October. Stephen Curry dropped 51 points one night, soon followed by Klay Thompson‘s record-breaking 14 3-pointers and 52 points. The Warriors are overwhelming the league, and it isn’t crazy to start thinking of another championship run.

Obviously, much needs to happen before that point. November doesn’t look terribly intimidating, but this is often when the Dubs underachieve. Golden State has three goals this month – maintain focus, take every game seriously and strive for continuous improvement.

Overview of November schedule:

• 14 games
• 9 home matchups
• 3 sets of back-to-back games
• 7 contests against 2017-18 playoff teams
• 8 games vs. squads .500 or better
• Longest homestand: 4 games over 9 days (Nov. 2-10)
• Longest road trip: 3 games in 4 days (Nov. 15-18)

 Game-by-game predictions:

Nov 2. vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Prediction: Win

The Wolves’s dismal spirits were temporarily uplifted by Derrick Rose‘s career night. Watch Golden State re-deflate this hapless bunch in Oakland.

Nov 5 vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Prediction: Win

Memphis is off to a surprising start behind strong play from center Marc Gasol. Expect a battle, but Golden State should finish on top.

Nov 8 vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Prediction: Win

The NBA has four teams sporting just one loss. This gritty matchup features two of them. Expect a dogfight favoring the home team, which happens to be Golden State.

Nov 10 vs. Brooklyn Nets

Prediction: Win

Uh oh…trap game. The Warriors will win, but it may be by an alarmingly low margin. Expect Brooklyn to arrive ready to play.

Nov. 12 @ Los Angeles Clippers

Prediction: Win

The Clippers are the NBA’s land of misfit toys. Golden State should knock off this group with relative ease, especially considering the number of Warriors fans who will be present.

Nov. 13 vs. Atlanta Hawks

Prediction: Win

Weaker teams often play stubbornly well at home. Atlanta may show glimpses of this, but the smart money is still on Golden State.

Nov. 15 @ Houston Rockets

Prediction: Loss

The Rockets are struggling right now, but they will collect themselves within two weeks. Plus, they are agitated from last year’s playoffs. Could Houston possibly land Jimmy Butler in time for this game?

Nov. 17 @ Dallas Mavericks

Prediction: Win

Rookie Luka Doncic appears worthy of the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award. Most of his teammates look awful so far. This will be a notable introduction — youngster, meet the dynasty. Maybe you’ve heard of us.

Nov. 18 @ San Antonio Spurs

Prediction: Loss

The last game of a three-game road trip, the second night of a back-to-back, and facing the NBA’s craftiest coach Gregg Poppovich? Not a good combination for the Dubs.

Nov. 21 vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Prediction: Win

The Thunder are a talented team with poor chemistry and perpetually bad execution. Golden State will win, as Oklahoma City trips over itself repeatedly.

Nov. 23 vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Prediction: Win

The Blazers are a bit deeper this year, but they usually play “our-superstars are better than your superstars” ball. This obviously won’t hold true against the Dubs.

Nov. 24 vs. Sacramento Kings

Prediction: Win

This could be another trap-game, as Sacramento shows signs of improvement from 2017-18. Golden State will win, but this could be a close one.

Nov. 26 vs. Orlando Magic

Prediction: Win

Another day, another win for Golden State. The Warriors should easily handle Orlando at home. However, the frontcourt of Nikolo Vucevic and Aaron Gordon could create a mini-ruckus.

Nov. 29 @ Toronto Rapotors

Prediction: Loss

Toronto will lock up defensively on its home court, feeding off the crowd’s energy. Look for a tight game, but Golden State could lose this one.

Projected Record: 11-3