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As the hoops hype continues to grow, Thursday’s RaptorsWarriors tip, in the big picture, represents one game of an 82-game schedule.

Naturally, given the very nature of the media beast, it’s being viewed as a potential NBA finals preview.

Remember, though, how the Warriors have yet to field their best lineup, one that will include DeMarcus Cousins as the big man continues to rehab from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered last season with New Orleans.

By the time Cousins is back on the court, the Raptors and Warriors would have completed their twogame season series.

If you think of it, you’ve got two teams from the East and West hooking up twice during the span of 14 nights and that’s it for the balance of the regular season.

Steph Curry, who has always relished his return to Toronto where his dad Dell once played for the Raptors, hasn’t seen game time since a Nov. 8 loss to Milwaukee when the alltime great shooter injured his groin.

At some point during the Warriors’ five-game trip, Curry is expected to be back.

Draymond Green, who is the ideal matchup when defending Kawhi Leonard, has missed six games in a row with a toe injury.

The Warriors lack depth and some of their veterans aren’t exactly getting any younger.

But when guys such as Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson are going off, points are being produced.

During Golden State’s recent three-game winning streak, Durant has poured in 125 points, Thompson scoring a combined 91 points.