The Golden State Warriors will be looking at a pretty active week with five games spread across the next seven days. No one is more excited to get the week started than forward Kevin Durant, who has a matchup against Paul George of the Indiana Pacers to look forward to.

“He's my favorite player in the league, I've been saying that for a while,” Durant told reporters after morning practice. “He's so smooth. He can do it all, he can pass, rebound, defend, shoot the J, post-up, handle the ball. He's my favorite player — I've been getting to know him during the past three years. It makes the competition even better when we go against each other.”

The two have bonded even more during this year's Olympic run at a third-consecutive gold medal. Durant was the team's leading scorer while George was the spark plug off the bench, a multi-positional asset that can play and defend every position on the floor.

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The Pacers hosted the Warriors on Nov. 21, but were blown out 120-83 as George and C.J. Miles sat the game out with their respective injuries.

After getting past the L.A. Clippers on Sunday, the Pacers will count with George and Miles tonight in a tough road test against the team atop of the league standings.

“I got nothing but respect for Paul. It's a mutual respect,” said Durant. “We always have battles when we play against each other, so I'm really looking forward to it tonight.”