Golden State Warriors: 5 predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season

LAS VEGAS, NV- OCTOBER 10: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is introduced against the Los Angeles Lakers during a pre-season game on October 10, 2018 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2 of 6

(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Steve Kerr will rest his guys more

Last season saw Golden State play the long game for the first time during its dynasty, ceding the number one seed to the Houston Rockets in exchange for some extra minutes the players would certainly need for their postseason run.

Following the addition of another title-run to the odometer, head coach Steve Kerr is likely to implement this strategy even further this year to keep his main guys fresh for when the games actually count for something. Both Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have had their share of nicks and bruises in the past. Keeping them — as well as their teammates — off the court as much as possible at least somewhat ensures their health.

Resting players also affords opportunities to the Warriors lesser-known talents, building up their confidence and comfort level in case they ever find themselves called upon.

While nobody will feel sympathy for a team playing in the Finals for what seems like an eternity, the wear and tear accumulated from all that extra basketball is real, and it unquestionably adds up over time.

It might make for a slightly less entertaining 82-game season, but the Warriors don’t care about the that or awards they may obtain along the journey, only being the last team standing in June.

Home/Golden State Warriors