Knicks vs. Warriors: 3 must-watch matchups

Knicks’ Julius Randle vs. Warriors’ Draymond Green

Two extremely physical power forwards will go head-to-head in the front-court, and it’s going to get testy. Draymond Green and Julius Randle are similar from a physical profile: Randle measures in at about 6’8, 249 lbs, and Green at 6’6, 230lbs. Both players move very well for their size.

Randle has been an offensive dynamo that defenses haven’t been able to slow down. On the season Randle is averaging over 23 points per game, and he’s scored at least 22 points in 10 of his last 11 games.

Draymond Green is a former Defensive Player of The Year who is one of the few players in the league that can match-up well physically with Randle. Green was part of the controversial loss against the Hornets last game where he was ejected late in the game. You know he’s going to be locked-in heading into this game.

Randle finished the last game against the Warriors with just 16 points while shooting 36% from the field, so you know he’ll be itching to have a better performance this time around.

These two are going to be matched up throughout the game, and Draymond is one of the few big-men that can follow Randle around on the perimeter. The Knicks won the first game against the Warriors by dominating the paint, and I fully expect them to run plenty of post-ups and elbow-isolations with Randle.

The Knicks want to establish their physical presence early, and Randle is a huge part of that. Things could get chippy with Draymond in the way. Look for this matchup to be a grueling battle that could set the tone for the entire game.