It has only been a month since the Warriors won Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Finals and yet it seems they already are being counted out in the 2022-23 regular season.
Over the weekend, PointsBet released their regular season Win Totals, and while there were a few surprises -- such as the Boston Celtics projected at 55.5 -- perhaps nothing is as surprising as seeing the Warriors tied with the Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets at 50.5 wins.
For context, the Celtics, LA Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, and Milwaukee Bucks are projected to win more games than the Warriors this upcoming season.
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What's more, the Warriors' odds to win the NBA Championship next year are currently at +750, with only the Celtics (+550), Bucks (+600), and Clippers (+700) having shorter odds. For comparison's sake, the Warriors' odds were at +600 shortly after their Game 6 win at TD Garden, tied with the Celtics and Clippers.
While some might say +750 is too high, it makes sense considering what happened in free agency.
Aside from re-signing Kevon Looney and inking Donte DiVincenzo to a two-year, $9.3 million deal, the Warriors lost valuable role players in Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr., and Juan Toscano-Anderson early in free agency. It stands to reason why oddsmakers would have the Dubs lower than other squads next season as the Warriors are banking on youngsters James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and others to contribute more heavily after a strong summer league showing.
Golden State Warriors
Only time will tell how this Warriors squad will perform with its mix of "win-now" veterans and developing young players.
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Regardless of what anyone says, the Warriors are never a team to count out, as this past season showed. It will add fuel to the fire and who knows, perhaps there will be another championship celebration in San Francisco next June.
Editor's note: All odds are provided by our partner, PointsBet. PointsBet is our Official Sports Betting Partner and we may receive compensation if you place a bet on PointsBet for the first time after clicking our links.