Different expectations for new-look Warriors in 2019-20

Storyline 2: The Warriors struggle to make the playoffs

This may not come as a surprise, but the Golden State Warriors will indeed struggle to make the playoffs in a more competitive Western Conference this season. The emergence of the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers will put the Warriors to the test this year.

Besides Klay, several Warriors players have gotten injured before and during the preseason.

Willlie Cauley-Stein will be missing the first few weeks of the regular season with a left foot strain, Alen Smailagić  is out for the “foreseeable future” with an ankle sprain, Alec Burks also sprained his ankle (day-to-day), Kevon Looney is nursing a hamstring injury (hopeful for the season opener), and Omari Spellman hurt his back (day-to-day).

So the Warriors’ depleted front court will only have Looney, Kavion Pippen and Marquese Chriss available (to primarily play center) on opening night. Making the playoffs relies heavily on their health, which should only be slightly concerning due to the number of players who have already suffered an injury before the season begins.

If and when the Warriors are back to full strength, they will be battling the San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, and even the New Orleans Pelicans for the seventh and eighth seeds in the Western Conference.

What the Warriors do have on their side, of course, is the impact Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have on both ends of the floor. None of those teams mentioned above have players who can have such an impact on an NBA floor (at least not yet).

Also, as the Warriors work to build their chemistry through experience playing together, coach Steve Kerr will be able to lean on using almost the entire team in multiple positions due to the roster’s versatility.