Next up in our trip through the NBA is our first Western Conference team, the Golden State Warriors. This veteran team looked like a great bet to repeat as NBA Champs, until a few days ago. Now, it is hard to tell what this team is going to be after the Draymond Green situation is resolved (there are some who think they might have to cut bait on him altogether).
Assuming he is on the team at the end of the season when it really matters, Golden State should be in the thick of it to win it all again. They have amazing veterans and some young guys who might prove to be ready for bigger roles.
At their best, and healthiest, they are among the better teams in the league.
2021-22 Record: 53-29
2021-22 ATS Record: 41-37-4
2021-22 O/U Record: 35-45-2
Golden State won the NBA title again. They had a good regular season with the continued development of guard Jordan Poole and Andre Wiggins posting an All-Star season. Klay Thompson might not have been all the way back from injury but he would show flashes of his old self. Steph Curry was at the height of his powers and it showed in the playoffs, which was by design. Golden State knows how to manage the regular season and did so last year, peaking when it mattered most. It was a memorable year. Golden State is always public though so they are not always a great bet from game to game.
Pacific Division: +190
Western Conference: +320
NBA Title: +700
If the Warriors are "whole" and "right" for the playoffs then they are going to be a threat. I never really liked them as a regular season play this season because I think they are going to prioritize being ready for the playoffs. Right now Green is a major question mark, he has to miss some time and they do not have an obvious replacement for him. Golden State can expect more from Thompson during the regular season this year but their skill sets do not overlap.
The Warriors' regular season success (in terms of exceeding expectations) will hinge on how much they get from the young trio of James Weisman, Moses Moody, and Jonathan Kuminga. The three could definitely fill the defensive shoes of the departed Gary Payton III (and Green) but their offense is to be determined. Otto Porter was a veteran shooter who was always in the right place. That is What they need to find a way to replace.
James Weisman Most Improved Player +6500
Per previous articles, I never really liked the Warriors for an elite regular season, the markets to win the Western Conference or a second NBA title are good though. Looking deeper, I love the value of Weisman having enough playing time this season to show what he can be, and the situation with Green missing time only helps as they are going to need to ill more minutes from their big men for any time he is out. Weisman can be an anchor defensively for the Warriors and could post really efficient numbers. Playing for a quality team his development can be shown to impact winning too. This is a long shot, compared to say Zion Williamson who is at +1600, but the price is great value for the opportunity.
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