NBA: 8 most anticipated matchups of the second-half schedule

Notable NBA games to look forward to in the second half of the schedule: April 1, Golden State Warriors vs. Miami Heat

Young stud James Wiseman is going to learn a lot matched up with All-Star Bam Adebayo. The Miami Heat are coming off an almost unbelievable postseason run and an NBA Finals appearance. The hangover is real with the Heat as they currently are fighting for the 8th seed in the East.

Another team familiar with a hangover would be the Golden State Warriors who are seriously feeling the void on their roster without All-Star three-point specialist Klay Thompson. Warriors fans are in unfamiliar territory after making the finals five of the past six seasons. With so many key injuries the past two years, it doesn’t appear to be time yet for a redemption tour.

One very shiny silver lining would be the return of fan-favorite and franchise hero Stephen Curry who has been balling out this season carrying the Dubs to the final playoff seed in the West. If the Warriors go on a hot streak and land a higher seed by the season’s conclusion, it would not be outlandish to think Curry could win his third MVP award.

The return of Curry also means the improved game of Draymond Green who is a key facilitator on both sides of the Warriors’ court. Curry and Dray have been through countless battles together and work like a well-oiled machine nurturing new teammates like Kelly Oubre and Andrew Wiggins whilst also producing big numbers leading to more wins. This team has quality pieces but where the Miami Heat have the advantage is in the number of pieces.

Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, an almost mirror-image of Steph and Klay’s shooting ability in Duncan Robinson, and the aforementioned big man Bam in the paint are just a few of this team’s players who can get hot at any moment and pose a formidable threat to any defense. The Heat also acquired former-Warrior and Finals MVP Andre Iguodala who is familiar with Curry’s game and Warriors’ Coach Steve Kerr’s gameplans.

A veteran presence on a dark horse team could be exactly what the Heat need to take the edge. Regardless, the Warriors, and more specifically Steph Curry, will be sure to not go down without a fight.