Will the Golden State Warriors beat oddsmakers predictions?

By Ken Tavarez | Dec 21, 2020

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point basket against the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center on December 15, 2020 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Deciding Factor – Health

The best ability is availability, health will be a factor in deciding which teams make the playoffs in the West.

The conference is stacked with good teams, so the margin for error is razor-thin. When you consider the condensed schedule and an increased number of back-to-back games, health is paramount.

In the Pacific division, don’t expect LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard or Paul George to play many back-to-back games.

While Chris Paul is expected to make the Suns better, last season was his healthiest of the past 5 seasons. Before that, he missed an average of 23 games per season over 3 seasons.

Another team expected to finish ahead of the Warriors is the Mavericks. Their two stars Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis are injury-prone. Luka has missed an average of 12 games in his two seasons.

Kristaps Porzingis missed 18 regular-season games and 3 playoff games last season after not playing for18 months as he recovered from a torn ACL. He is expected to miss at least the first two weeks of this season and not expected to play in many back-to-back games.

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