Andrew Bogut expected back for Warriors season opener

For Golden State to have a shot at making the playoffs in the West — which is their stated goal for the season — they are going to need Andrew Bogut and Stephen Curry to play in at least 70 games each. Which after both had ankle injuries that required surgery last season is a question mark.

At least Bogut seems to be on target to be ready for the start of the season. That’s what Warriors GM Bob Meyers said to the Sporting News.

“Yes, we expect that,” Warriors GM Bob Myers told Sporting News. “That’s just me prophesizing, but all indications are that will be the case. We’re hoping that he is in there for us on opening night. But if he needs two games, if the difference is waiting because he is not quite there, then we’ll wait. But we expect Bogut to play opening night.”

They expect Bogut to play in some preseason games as well. Which is a good sign.

Bogut will give them some scoring inside — he averaged 11.3 points and 8.3 rebounds a game for the Bucks last season before his injury. But his real importance is on the defensive end where he is one of the top five defensive centers in the game. Healthy and moving well he instantly improves the Warriors defense that was 27th in points allowed per possession last year.

All this is good news for fans in the Bay Area. It’s one of the keys to this season.