1. Injuries
The number one factor that could send the Warriors back to the depths of the NBA standings is something they really have no control over. Injuries could decimate their championship hopes in a heartbeat.
Golden State saw all too well how quickly injuries can derail a season. DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney all suffered injuries during last year’s playoffs. This ultimately cost them a championship over the Toronto Raptors.
Thompson is supposedly recovering as planned from his ACL tear. However, the Warriors’ staff has acknowledged that there is no way to know for sure of Thompon’s health until he is capable of playing in real games.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry is nursing nerve damage in his left hand. Last we checked, Curry still had a weird sensation in his hand when he played basketball. This is something to watch for moving forward.
One significant blow to a core member of this team could send them spiraling downwards. Staying healthy is the biggest potential roadblock for the Dubs next season.