5 Bold Predictions For Golden State Warriors’ 2016-17 Season

Warriors Don’t Earn Top Seed in Western Conference

As great as this team appears on paper, it’s not going to be easy to balance the amount of scoring potential the starting five possesses. There are going to be some of those aforementioned hiccups along the way, which I’m guessing will lead to a few more losses than last season.

Realistically, there are going to be a lot of ridiculously talented teams in the West in 2016-17. The San Antonio Spurs are still a force to be reckoned with despite the retirement of Tim Duncan. Other teams like the Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers should also put on a solid showing this upcoming campaign.

On top of that, the Warriors will suffer some growing pains as this group tries to get its bearings. The incorporation of Durant into the offense is going to create some difficulties in terms of spreading the ball around, which should lead to some close losses. The overall lack of depth is also going to be a concern.

Don’t get me wrong — the Warriors are still going to dominate. I’d venture a guess that they’ll finish with about 68 wins. However, I think the Spurs finish the regular season atop the West, edging Golden State out by a win or two.

This year will have its ups and downs, but the Warriors will still be arguably the West’s most powerful team.

Next: Another Showdown With The Cavaliers?