Can Steph and the Warriors Survive the Play-In?
The Golden State Warriors are 10th in the western conference, and they are qualified for the play-in tournament. Can they actually manufacture a miracle and make it to the playoffs?
The Golden State Warriors have lost 5 of their last 6 games. Admittedly, the games were not easy–they went against superior teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Denver Nuggets, the Houston Rockets, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Those are all 50-win teams. It seems that the Warriors are stuck in no-man’s land between being really competitive and a lottery team.
After some injury woes (Jimmy Butler’s season ending knee injury) and some roster shake-ups (Kuminga for Porzingis trade), nobody is expecting the Warriors to go far. The only thing that keeps people hopeful is the presence and dominance of Steph Curry, the greatest shooter in basketball history. Somehow, Dubs fans are not yet counting them out with Steph Curry on the floor.
Realistically, the Warriors have to cross a huge chasm if they want to get far.
If the play-in tournament started today, they will be playing against the Portland Trailblazers, a 40-win team with young core talent and great veteran leadership. Scoot Henderson, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan are too much for the aging (and shorter Dubs whenever Porzingis is unavailable) Warriors. Add to that the savvy and leadership of Jrue Holiday and some good role players, and it’s even more obvious–Golden State should be going home at this point.
In the miraculous event that they make it past Portland, they will be facing a resurgent Kawhi Leonard or a red-hot Devin Booker, with upgrades on their respective teams. If getting past the Blazers looks unlikely yet possible, getting past the Clippers or the Suns is just improbable with their current roster. Maybe they’d stand a chance if both Kristaps Porzingis and Jimmy Butler are healthy and in great shape.
But, if by some crazy happenstance, they get past these strong teams, who do they go up against? The Oklahoma City Thunder–with the reigning MVP (who’s likely to be MVP again) and the defending champs. The Warriors beating the Thunder is just downright impossible. But then again, Steph Curry, so inspirational, man.
And so it would seem that what many pundits believe is finally true–the Warriors dynasty is a thing of the past.
DAILY FANTASY PICKS:
Captain: Steph Curry
Vice Captain: Brandon Podziemski
Key picks: Charles Bassey, De’Anthony Melton, Draymond Green, Pat Spencer, Gary Payton II
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Here are the matches this week!
