The Warriors road to the Finals just got tougher
The Golden State Warriors might have to play DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis in the first round of the playoffs, which could be really problematic.
It’s never easy to make it to the NBA Finals. It’s especially difficult in the Western Conference, where there’s elite talent top to bottom. The Golden State Warriors have made it to the Finals two times in a row and are looking to make it a third.
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The Warriors sit atop the standings and should run away with the top seed. They’re the most talented team in the league. It’s pretty clear that Golden State is the favorites to come out of the West in June.
Despite having the San Antonio Spurs on their tail, the top of the standings look like there isn’t going to be much movement. The bottom, however, is up for grabs. The battle for the eighth seed is going to come down to the wire.
The Denver Nuggets are currently in the last playofff spot. The 13th seeded Minnesota Timberwolves, who are an underwhelming 22-35, are just 3.5 games back of that eighth spot. There’s a pileup at the bottom of the standings with about five teams within reach.
A new favorite has emerged. The New Orleans Pelicans, who are 2.5 games back in the 11th spot, are now the best team of the bunch. While a team like the Nuggets might be deeper, the Pelicans have the two best players.
DeMarcus Cousins has been traded to New Orleans. He’ll be teaming up with Anthony Davis in the Big Easy. They’ll form the best forward/center combo since Tim Duncan and David Robinson.
If the Pelicans, with their new Twin Towers, can get into that eighth spot, then the Warriors journey to the Finals will be much more difficult. The bigs offer serious matchup problems down low.
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While New Orleans doesn’t have the resistance on the perimeter to really stop the Warriors’ wings, they would provide major issues down low. Regardless, the addition of Cousins to a potential first round opponent makes life incredibly difficult for Draymond Green and co.
The Warriors tough road back to the Finals just got tougher.