What to watch for in Boston Celtics vs Golden State Warriors

What to watch for in the biggest game of the regular season to date between the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors.

Is this our preview of the NBA Finals? I sure hope so. It’s Stephen Curry’s Warriors visiting Kyrie Irving’s Celtics in a matchup the NBA was robbed of last season due to injuries.

The entire NBA world should have their eyes on this game, so let’s go through what to watch for Saturday night.

Tale of the Tape

Celtics: 30-18 (5th in East), on a five-game winning streak and have won their last 10 straight home games

Warriors: 34-14 (1st in West), on a nine-game winning streak and are a league-best 16-8 on the road

OAKLAND, CA – JANUARY 27: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball while closely guarded by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on January 27, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Kyrie Irving taking on the Warriors

Irving has been incredible over the last month or so, but he typically saves his best performances for the Warriors. Golden State has never been able to contain Irving, as his stats against them over the last three years are a sight to behold.

2017-18: 26.5 PPG/5 APG/3.5 RPG/50% FG/54.5% 3P

2017 Finals: 29.4 PPG/4.4 APG/4.0 RPG/47.2% FG/41.9% 3P

2016 Finals: 27.1 PPG/3.9 APG/3.9 RPG/46.8% FG/40.8% 3P

If the Celtics are going to beat this Warriors team, getting a locked in Irving is a must. Based on past experiences, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Al Horford the X-Factor

Al Horford may be the most important player for the Celtics tonight. He’s been consistently great against the Warriors since coming to Boston, averaging 16.5 points and 12 rebounds in last season’s meetings.

Horford’s ability to switch on defense and stretch the floor will be crucial against the Warriors. He’ll have to anchor the Celtics against the Warriors’ small-ball lineups while also having to contain DeMarcus Cousins for some stretches. The Warriors have always praised Horford for his play and the Celtics will need a big performance from him to win.

OAKLAND, CA – JANUARY 27: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics shoots over Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on January 27, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Limiting Steph Curry

The last time the Celtics and Warriors played, Boston played the better game but could not overcome Steph Curry. He hit eight threes and scored 49 points to propel his team to the win.

Irving might have to be the one to guard Irving. Marcus Smart will probably stick with Klay Thompson while Marcus Morris and Jayson Tatum will cover Kevin Durant and Draymond Green. Golden State won’t likely try to switch Irving off of Curry, so Boston’s main offensive threat will have to deliver an all-around performance. Limiting Curry makes the Warriors much easier to defend. It’s already basically impossible, but containing Curry is the best way to do it.