Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors enter Play-In as underdogs

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after shooting and making a three-point shot against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on May 16, 2021 in San Francisco, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after shooting and making a three-point shot against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on May 16, 2021 in San Francisco, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

It has been a long time since the Golden State Warriors were top dogs heading into the NBA Playoffs. According to ESPN, the Dubs will have to overcome huge odds to take down the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Golden State Warriors will enter the NBA Play-In Tournament as major underdogs to beat LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

A total of 16 panel members at ESPN were asked to predict who would win game one of the Play-In Tournament. Of the group, only one person (Nick DePaula) predicted the Warriors would defeat the Lakers. ESPN had Washington, Indiana, and Memphis also winning their games.

It is understandable why ESPN would choose Los Angeles to win this game. Though they haven’t had much time to build chemistry between LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the newcomers such as Montrezzl Harrel, Andre Drummond, Wesley Matthews, Ben McLemore and Marc Gasol, the reigning champs deserve the benefit of the doubt.

And yet, it is slightly surprising only one panelist believed the Warriors would pull off an upset. Surely no one would predict the Dubs winning a seven-game series, but one game in this Play-In format? It is certainly possible.

The Warriors are riding a wave of momentum entering the tourney. They’ve won each of their last five games and have ranked as a top-10 team in the NBA since the All-Star break. With Stephen Curry playing at an MVP level and the rest of the supporting cast finding their niche, it is hard to bet against the Warriors.

One thing is for certain, they won’t go down without a fight. This team has been resilient all year long and I would be shocked if they rolled over now. Taking down the reigning champs will be a challenge, but they couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity with James coming off a long-term injury and the rest of the Dubs’ hitting their stride.

Next. Top 30 Warriors of all-time. dark

Home/Warriors News