Golden State Warriors Opening Day Preview

Photo credit Myumyun Myumyun via Flickr

NBA

Golden State Warriors Opening Day Preview

I will be looking into tonight’s expectations in the Warriors opening day preview against the OKC Thunder. There have been some roster changes on both teams. What can we take away from the losses and additions on both sides?  We’ll also look into past match-ups regarding both western conference teams. I’ll also be including some predictions in this preview.

Projected Team Starting Line-ups

Warriors: Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and Damian Jones

Injury Notables: Shaun Livingston questionable (Foot), DeMarcus Cousins (Achilles Rehab), and Damion Lee (Plantar Rehab) both are listed as out.

Thunder: Dennis Schroder, Alex Abrines, Paul George, Jerami Grant, and Steven Adams

Injury Notables: Steven Adams (Lower Back) questionable, Andre Roberson (Left Tendon Surgery) and Russell Westbrook (Right Knee) both are listed as out.

Team Roster Changes For Warriors And Thunder

If you didn’t already know, the Warriors have added another All-Star element to their death squad in DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins is currently recovering from an Achilles injury sustained on January twenty-sixth of the last NBA season. But, the talented big man is currently in rehab and making considerable progress. Although there is not a projected date of his return, we do know that when Cousins returns he’ll add strength to an All-Star cast. The Warriors have also added PF Jonas Jerebko during the postseason Free Agency. They’re looking to have Jerebko bring up the three-point numbers from the reserves up. Jacob Evans is also new and proficient at shooting three’s and he brings added defense. He is versatile and can defend the one, two and three on the defensive end. The Warriors also adjusted their roster with the losses of JaVale McGee (Lakers), ZaZa Pachulia (Pistons), and David West (Retired).

During the Free Agency, the Thunder also came with an All-Star signing as well In SG Paul George. OKC now have an All-Star duo and could make their contention in the western conference more dangerous. They lost Carmelo Anthony (Rockets) and Nick Collison (Retired). Steven Adams is also noteworthy because of his unselfish role with the Thunder. He’s here to play and is satisfied with whatever OKC plans are for his role with the team.

Warriors And Thunder Past Matchups, Predictions, And Expectations

Tonight’s game will be the first time since 1983 that the Warriors will open against the Thunder franchise, Golden State tipped off their campaign against the Supersonics with a win of 110-109. This was an early emergence of game victories of many against OKC. The most memorable past matchup between the Dubs and OKC was during the western conference finals in 2016. It seemed that the Warriors would certainly go up against the Spurs. The Thunder had other plans. the dynamite duo of KD and Westbrook ensured it. The Thunder would ultimately knock the Spurs out in game 6 of seven with a score of one hundred thirteen-to-ninety nine. Even after all of the hype that it would be a showdown between the Warriors and Spurs. The Spurs could not find an answer against the dynamite duo and fell. The Cleveland Cavaliers would take it all and get their first NBA championship.

As we begin the Warriors opening day what can we expect? The odds seem to be in the favor of the golden boys coming back as champions. The Warriors have several reasons to bring home their another championship. This would be the Golden States first three-peat, and their last season to be Champions at Oracle Arena. This will be the Warriors last season at Oracle as the Team will move to their new home in San Fransisco next season. The Warriors also have a good shot at taking their fifth straight western conference title. The Thunder will be ordinary at best without their Star in Russell Westbrook and will have to work hard against the lethal Warriors at home. The Warriors hold a record of 31-41 all-time in season openers. The odds would seem to be on the Warriors side and tonight’s game will be a great way to begin the season.

You can catch tonight’s NBA opening day matchup with the Thunder at the Warriors on TNT at 5:30 p.m. eastern standard time.

 

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Photo credit Myumyun Myumyun via Flickr