NBA Game Preview: Golden State Warriors (16-15) vs. Toronto Raptors (18-14)

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The Golden State Warriors travel to face the Toronto Raptors in an interconference matchup that pits a veteran-led Western Conference squad against a young, rebuilding Eastern Conference team dealing with inconsistencies and injuries. The Warriors, sitting at .500, have shown flashes of their championship pedigree but struggle on the road, while the Raptors have been competitive but are mired in a five-game home losing streak. This game could hinge on Golden State’s perimeter shooting against Toronto’s defensive length, assuming key players suit up.

Venue Location

Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This 19,800-capacity venue, home to the Raptors since 1999 (formerly known as Air Canada Centre), features a passionate fanbase and has been a tough place for visitors—though Toronto’s recent home woes (8-7 record) might temper that edge.

Tipoff is set for 3:30 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on League Pass, with radio coverage on TSN Radio 1050 (for Raptors) and 95.7 The Game (for Warriors).

Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with significant absences, particularly the Raptors, who could be without multiple starters. Here’s the latest:

Golden State Warriors:

Brandin Podziemski (G): Day-to-Day (Abdomen) – Probable for the game.

De’Anthony Melton (G): Out (Knee) – Ruled out.

Seth Curry (SG): Out (Left sciatic nerve irritation) – Ruled out.

L.J. Cryer (G): Day-to-Day (Low back strain) – Status uncertain, but he was ruled out for a recent game.

Toronto Raptors:

Collin Murray-Boyles (F): Day-to-Day (Illness) – Questionable.

Jakob Poeltl (C): Out (Back) – Ruled out.

RJ Barrett (F): Out (Knee) – Questionable, but trending toward missing the game.

These injuries could force Toronto to rely more on bench depth, with Poeltl’s absence weakening their interior defense and rebounding. For the Warriors, Melton and Curry’s absences thin their guard rotation, putting extra pressure on Stephen Curry and backups.

Key Player Matchups

This game features intriguing battles across positions, especially with potential injuries altering lineups. Assuming standard starters (based on recent games and roster assumptions for 2025-26), here are the pivotal matchups:

Stephen Curry (GSW PG) vs. Immanuel Quickley (TOR PG): Curry, averaging around 25+ PPG in recent seasons, is the engine of Golden State’s offense with his unlimited range. Quickley, a quick-footed defender, will need to chase Curry off screens, but Curry’s experience gives him the edge. Watch for Curry exploiting switches—Toronto’s defense ranks middling in perimeter D.

Jonathan Kuminga (GSW SF) vs. Scottie Barnes (TOR PF): Kuminga’s athleticism and scoring (20+ PPG potential) vs. Barnes’ all-around game (20-8-6 stat lines). Barnes’ length could disrupt Kuminga drives, but if Poeltl is out, Barnes might slide to center, creating mismatches.

Andrew Wiggins (GSW SF) vs. Brandon Ingram (TOR SF): Ingram, potentially a key Raptor after roster changes, brings scoring versatility (21.7 PPG noted in trends). Wiggins’ defense could limit him, but Ingram’s mid-range game might exploit Golden State’s occasional lapses.

Draymond Green (GSW PF) vs. Jakob Poeltl (TOR C) – If Poeltl Plays: Green’s playmaking vs. Poeltl’s rim protection. With Poeltl likely out, Green could dominate rebounds against backups like Kelly Olynyk.

Trayce Jackson-Davis (GSW C) vs. Toronto’s Frontcourt Depth: Jackson-Davis’ energy on the boards could feast if Toronto is shorthanded inside.

Overall, Golden State’s veteran savvy might prevail if Toronto’s injuries persist, but Barnes and Ingram could keep it close with home energy.

Recent Team Forms

Both teams are .500 or worse in their last 10, with the Warriors showing more balance but road struggles, and the Raptors in a slump.

Golden State Warriors (5-5 in last 10):

DateOpponentResultScore
Dec 25vs. MavericksW126-116
Dec 23vs. MagicW120-97
Dec 21vs. SunsW119-116
Dec 19vs. SunsL99-98
Dec 15vs. Trail BlazersL136-131
Dec 13vs. TimberwolvesL127-120
Dec 8vs. BullsW123-91
Dec 7vs. CavaliersW99-94
Dec 5vs. 76ersL99-98
Dec 3vs. ThunderL124-112

The Warriors are on a three-game win streak, all at home, averaging 112.4 PPG in the last 10. Their defense shines in wins, but close losses highlight inconsistency.

Toronto Raptors (3-7 in last 10):

DateOpponentResultScore
Dec 27vs. WizardsL117-138
Dec 24vs. HeatW112-91
Dec 22vs. NetsL96-81
Dec 21vs. CelticsL112-96
Dec 19vs. BucksW111-105
Dec 16vs. HeatW106-96
Dec 10vs. KnicksL117-101
Dec 8vs. CelticsL121-113
Dec 6vs. HornetsL111-86
Dec 5vs. LakersL123-120

Toronto ended a four-game skid with a win over Miami but followed with losses, including a blowout to Washington. They’re 3-2 in their last five but 0-7 ATS at home recently, scoring just 104.7 PPG in losses.

Series History

The Warriors hold a commanding 34-22 all-time edge over the Raptors since Toronto entered the league in 1995. In the last 10 meetings, Golden State is 6-4 straight up (SU) and 5-5 against the spread (ATS), with games averaging 225.4 total points (6-4 to the over). Recent tilts: Warriors won 2 of the last 3, including a 117-114 thriller on March 20, 2025. Golden State is 4-2 SU in their last six vs. Toronto and 4-1 ATS vs. Eastern foes lately. However, Toronto has covered in some high-scoring affairs (over in 6 of last 8 head-to-head).

Betting Trends

Warriors are 2-4 ATS in last 6; Raptors 3-11 ATS in last 14 and 0-7 ATS at home.

Over in 4 of Warriors’ last 6; under in 6 of Raptors’ last 7. Head-to-head: over in 6 of last 8.

Other Trends: Warriors 15-16 ATS overall, 18-13 to over; Raptors 14-18 ATS, 12-20 to under. Golden State 4-1 ATS vs. East; Toronto 1-9 ATS vs. West. December woes: Warriors 6-12 ATS last 18 Dec games; Raptors 4-16 SU last 20.

Game Odds

Golden State Warriors                   – 4.5

Toronto Raptors                               224.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 27, 2025