Different expectations for new-look Warriors in 2019-20

Storyline 1: How will the Warriors play without Klay Thompson?

After tearing his left ACL during Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, Klay Thompson has been expected to return after the All-Star break, barring any setbacks.

In eight NBA seasons, Klay has only missed an average of about five games each year and 41 in total (playing in 615 of 656 total games). Any franchise would want that amount of durability and skill from their star players.

Historically, the Golden State Warriors have struggled without Klay on the floor, as expected. They are 10-14 (5-11 in the last three seasons) when Klay is sidelined. He did score 37 points in one quarter four years ago, after all. So his impact will definitely be missed for the at least the first half of this season.

This is the first season that Klay will miss significant time due to a major injury and is projected to play about 22 games if he returns post All-Star break. This, of course, spells trouble for the Warriors, who now have even more competition in the Western Conference.

While the Warriors have D-Lo to fill in that third star slot that they need in Klay’s absence, don’t expect them to have too much success without their second-best player on the floor.