The Golden State Warriors are on a quest for their final championship before their core players retire or move on. Despite their aging roster, the Warriors believe they can still compete with the younger generation of the league. Last season, they fell short in the second round against LeBron James and the Lakers, missing out on their 5th ring. Can Steph Curry and the Splash Brothers continue to perform at a championship level? And will the addition of 38-year-old Chris Paul be an improvement over Jordan Poole?
Golden State Warriors Offseason Recap
The Warriors made some notable moves in the offseason, trading Jordan Poole and other pieces to acquire Chris Paul. Poole had spent all four seasons of his career with the Warriors, having his best season last year with career-high averages of 20.4 points per game and 4.5 assists. It was clear that he had learned a lot from Curry, incorporating deep shooting and flashy shots from beyond the arc into his game, which energized the home crowd. At only 24 years old, it’s evident that the Warriors are prioritizing another championship run for their core group.
Paul is a highly talented player who has yet to win a ring. He ranks 3rd all time with 11,501 career assists and has led the league in assists for five seasons. His playmaking abilities paired with Curry and Klay Thompson make for a formidable offense. However, his age is a concern, as he has played heavy minutes throughout his 18-year career. The Warriors also had Draymond Green decline his player option before signing a contract extension, which will see him take on a more traditional center role.
Golden State Warriors Season Expectations
The Warriors have high expectations for the upcoming season. They are aiming to capture another championship, potentially marking the end of this era. With an average age of 28.8 years old, the Warriors are the oldest team in the league. Injuries will be a key factor in their performance, as their success heavily relies on the health and performance of Curry, Paul, Green, Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins. Despite Green being out for the first few weeks of the season, the Warriors have a strong regular season win total projection of 48.5 wins, placing them 3rd in the Western Conference. Home court advantage has proven to be crucial for the team in the past, as they performed significantly better at home compared to on the road last season.
Golden State Warriors Schedule Breakdown
The Warriors will start the season with a home game against the Suns, followed by seven of the next eight games on the road. Their performance during this early road stretch will be a crucial indicator of their form. They will then enjoy a six-game home stretch against the Cavaliers, Rockets, Timberwolves (twice), and Thunder (twice). These games offer an opportunity for the Warriors to establish and showcase their potential. However, they will face a challenging end to the season, with 16 of their final 25 games being played on the road.
Golden State Warriors Odds
The revamped Warriors lineup has the 5th best odds to win the championship at +1200. They are confident in their ability to emerge as contenders in a competitive Western Conference. Betting against the Splash Brothers has historically not been a profitable endeavor, and they could very likely make another deep playoff run. The in-season tournament also presents an intriguing market. The Warriors are grouped with the Kings, Timberwolves, Thunder, and Spurs. Given the early stage of the season, the age factor may not heavily impact the core players yet. The Warriors are +160 to win their group and +1200 to win the tournament. These odds are surprising considering the different dynamics of the tournament compared to the traditional postseason.
Golden State Warriors 2023-24 Season Predictions
Although the Warriors advanced past the Kings in the playoffs last season, it is unlikely that they will have a deep playoff run this year. The age factor will likely lead to a decline in production for Paul, Curry, and Green as they enter their mid-30s. The prediction is for the Warriors to finish with a low seed, similar to their 44-38 record and 6th seed finish from last season. A total of 48.5 wins seems optimistic considering the slight upgrade in Paul and the absence of Green at the start of the season. However, they are expected to perform well in the tournament, which takes place early in the season and may allow the Warriors to capitalize on their relative health and take advantage of the competition. With odds of +1200 to win the tournament, this is a promising investment that can provide opportunities for hedging. The Warriors are expected to secure the inaugural championship but will face challenges towards the end of the season, finishing with a record of 42-40 and potentially finding themselves in the play-in tournament. Regardless of their playoff fate, it is predicted that the Warriors will not win a playoff series this year, resulting in Chris Paul retiring without a ring.
NBA Futures
Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
NBA Championship 2023-24
NBA Champion
Milwaukee Bucks +380
Denver Nuggets +600
Boston Celtics +400
Phoenix Suns +650
Golden State Warriors +1200
Los Angeles Lakers +1200
Miami Heat +2300
Los Angeles Clippers +2200
Philadelphia 76ers +2300
Dallas Mavericks +2500
Memphis Grizzlies +3300
Cleveland Cavaliers +4000
Sacramento Kings +5000
New Orleans Pelicans +5000
New York Knicks +5000
Minnesota Timberwolves +7500
Atlanta Hawks +8000
Oklahoma City Thunder +8000
Brooklyn Nets +10000
Toronto Raptors +10000
San Antonio Spurs +12500
Chicago Bulls +20000
Portland Trail Blazers +25000
Utah Jazz +25000
Indiana Pacers +30000
Orlando Magic +35000
Houston Rockets +40000
Detroit Pistons +50000
Charlotte Hornets +50000
Washington Wizards +75000
Western Conference 2023-24
Western Conference Winner
Denver Nuggets +250
Phoenix Suns +350
Golden State Warriors +550
Los Angeles Lakers +750
L.A. Clippers +950
Dallas Mavericks +1200
Memphis Grizzlies +1400
Sacramento Kings +2200
New Orleans Pelicans +2800
Oklahoma City Thunder +3500
Minnesota Timberwolves +4000
Houston Rockets +10000
Utah Jazz +10000
San Antonio Spurs +10000
Portland Trail Blazers +15000