With the NBA Schedule now in place, expectations can be set for the Golden State Warriors’ 2023-24 season. Over the next few weeks, Blue Man Hoop will provide projections on the franchise’s win-loss record with a month-by-month preview.
December forecasts as a big month for the Warriors starting with a road game against a major pacific rival. Golden State will play two games between December 2-12, though their exact time and opponent will only be confirmed once NBA Cup results are configured. Six of the franchise’s last eight games in the month will come at home, including a first meeting against an old friend.
December 2, 2023: at LA Clippers 1:00 PM
Back-to-back games between the Warriors and Clippers after a meeting at Chase Center on November 30. That result was predicted to go Golden State’s way, so only fair to give one back to LA here with both teams expected to be on a similar level again.
Result: Golden State loss
December 12, 2023: at Phoenix Suns 7:00 PM
As with the game in Phoenix on November 22, few teams including the Warriors will go into Footprinter Center as favorites next season.
Result: Golden State loss
December 14, 2023: at LA Clippers 7:30 PM
If both teams are fully healthy, which is a big if, LA will likely start favorites. There’s a lot to play out before the teams three matchups in the opening two months of the season, including the Clippers’ potential of acquiring 76er star James Harden.
Result: Golden State loss
December 16, 2023: vs. Brooklyn Nets 5:30 PM
The Nets have some talent and may project as a dangerous proposition next season, though they don’t have the star power they did have with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Golden State would disappointed were they to drop this one.
Result: Golden State win
December 17, 2023: at Portland Trail Blazers 6:00 PM
Assuming the Trail Blazers do eventually trade Damian Lillard, they’re projected to be one of, if not the worst team in the West next season. No excuses for the Warriors regardless of whether it’s at home or on the road.
Result: Golden State win
December 19, 2023: vs. Boston Celtics 7:00 PM
One of Golden State’s best wins last season came against Boston at Chase Center, with Klay Thompson leading the way with 34 points and Kevon Looney adding 15 rebounds. They’ll be looking to add another similarly dominant double-digit victory.
Result: Golden State win
December 22, 2023: vs. Washington Wizards 7:00 PM
A big matchup signalling Jordan Poole’s return to Chase Center for the first time. Both sides will be motivated but the reality is that Washington have hit a necessary rebuild this offseason.
Result: Golden State win
December 23, 2023: vs. Portland Trail Blazers 5:30 PM
A second meeting against Portland in the space of a week, this time back on the Warriors’ home floor. Assuming reasonable health, nothing short of a comfortable win would be disappointing.
Result: Golden State win
December 25, 2023: at Denver Nuggets 11:30 AM
A Christmas Day showdown against the NBA champions is sure to provide a stern test to see where the Warriors at. Golden State have lost six of their last seven regular season games against Denver.
Result: Golden State loss
December 28, 2023: vs. Miami Heat 7:00 PM
It’s hard to evaluate the Heat before any potential Lillard trade takes place. The outcome for this game could project much differently than what it does now, but the Warriors will still be confident regardless.
Result: Golden State win
December 30, 2023: vs. Dallas Mavericks 5:30 PM
Two games in three nights against a pair of projected playoff teams in the Heat and Mavericks. Despite being at home, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Warriors drop one of the two.
Result: Golden State loss
Projected win-loss record in December: 6-5
Cumulative win-loss record:18-12