Golden State Warriors advantages No. 2 and No. 3
2. The Warriors offense
The Warriors’ motion offense has historically been difficult to adjust to early in playoff series, particularly when they hold home-court advantage. They’ve won their last 14 game ones at home, with an average winning margin of nearly 16 points (15.92).
The last time they lost a game one at home was when Kevin Durant was with the Thunder, the famous 2016 Conference Finals where the Warriors came back from 3-1 down. Boston’s defense may be the best in the league, but the Warriors will be confident of blowing them out of the water early in the series.
3. Team Depth
Boston’s rise over the second half of the season coincided with a shortening of the rotation by head coach Ime Udoka.
The Celtics really only go eight players deep, with their five starters plus Grant Williams, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. Daniel Theis has been a situational player and may see minutes if Robert Williams III isn’t 100%.
Conversely, Steve Kerr has at least ten players capable of being in the rotation. Should they be fit and healthy, the Warriors have their starting five plus the likes of Jordan Poole, Otto Porter Jr., and Gary Payton II.
Nemanja Bjelica and Moses Moody played important roles late in the Conference Finals, while Damion Lee was part of the rotation earlier in the series. Jonathan Kuminga could provide an x-factor if called upon, and don’t be surprised to see Kerr count on veteran Andre Iguodala despite his constant absence this season.