Defending Champions?
The biggest question for the Warriors in 2016 is will they repeat as champions. The simple answer is absolutely they can but will be much more difficult than last season. Chances are the Spurs will not lose in the first round this season to the Los Angeles Clippers and the Thunder will make the postseason. Two opponents the Warriors did not have to face last season’s run.
In the East, the Warriors probably have to face the Cavaliers but will not be the same team as last season. Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving will most likely be healthy and will be a difficult team to beat. The Raptors and Hawks could also be possible matchups for the Warriors in the NBA Finals.
As long as this team stays healthy, the Warriors should repeat as champions. They are the best offensive team and when Barnes returns, their defense will be elite as well. The Spurs’ age will catch up to them, the Thunder’s lack of ball movement will be easy to defend and the Cavaliers simply to do not have enough firepower to stay with the Warriors. So when it is all said and done, the Warriors should be defending champions, the first since the Miami Heat in 2012-13.
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