Klay says Warriors-Raptors game 'might be a preview of June'

The two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors are set to clash with the league-leading Toronto Raptors on Thursday in what Klay Thompson suggests could be an NBA Finals preview.

"Right now, they're the best and I expect them to be there probably throughout the whole season," Thompson told reporters Monday after the Warriors beat the Orlando Magic 116-110 for their third straight win. "They got tremendous length. They got so many two-way players. Obviously Kawhi (Leonard) is back and playing at an MVP level. Kyle Lowry is a great leader as well. He's a bulldog out there.

"It's going to be a great test for us and, who knows, it might be a preview of June. But they got something really special up there in Canada right now."

The Warriors are hoping Stephen Curry will return to action in Toronto after missing 10 straight games with a groin strain. Meanwhile, Thompson has shaken off his early-season rust, averaging 25.4 points in Curry's absence.

Leonard is leading the way for the Raptors in his first season north of the border, averaging a team-high 24.7 points and 8.5 boards in 15 appearances.

Toronto (17-4) will face the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday before hosting the Warriors.