Mark Woods’ NBA Preview: Golden boys a class apart

PREDICTABILITY can occasionally be a little boring. Except if it’s known as the Golden State Warriors. 

Because as the new NBA season tips off on Tuesday, that’s what we should all get ready for: the glorious, monotonous, exhilarating repetitiveness of the reigning champions doing what they do better than any team since the MJ-era Chicago Bulls. Winning.

Which is why Golden State is a re-dunk-ulous 11-20 with Unibet to land a third championship in four seasons with nearest/only challengers, the Cleveland Cavaliers, adrift at 9-2.

The Warriors have the All Star core of the old gang back together – Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson with the upgraded additions of Omri Casspi and Nick Young, plus the likelihood that coach Steve Kerr will be available all season long.

A team that went 67-15 last term following their record 73-win effort two years ago figures to be even better.  Maybe the best there’s ever been.

“The Warriors — it’s almost like a perfect storm,” NBA TV analyst Reggie Miller proclaims. “You have everything encompassed in your players, as well as your coaching staff.

“You’ve won two out of three championships, you’ve got two of the top 10 players in Steph and KD and you’ve probably got four of the top 20 players including Draymond and Klay (Thompson).

“It’s the perfect storm.”

The Super Team to be more uber than the others. Minus the occasional mis-step that was evident 12 months ago when Durant was prising himself into the midst.

Even then there was no hint of drama or discord. Occasionally too many turnovers for Kerr’s liking but little else to grumble about.

Durant, his turn again due, is great value for MVP at 9-2 with Unibet. Their pace alone should keep them atop the offensive charts where last term they put up 115.9 per game. And keep them well on front in margin of victory stakes at 11.35.

All that despite the upgrades injected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the addition of Paul George (good) and Carmelo Anthony (hmm) and the Houston Rockets stellar but confusing signing of Chris Paul to feature alongside James Harden. Plus, of course, a Cavaliers who are not going away any time soon.

It seems ill-advised in the extreme to back against the Warriors for anything. Certainly not in a Pacific Division where the LA Clippers have been weakened.

Not in the West. Bar an unprecedented injury calamity, the only real question is just how many victories they will accumulate in the regular season, even if Kerr opts to rest his goliaths a little more in order to look further ahead.

Over 68.5 would pay out at 22-25 with Unibet – a solid bet with a group this good.

The only intrigue will how much they take the foot off the gas on any given night with Houston, in Tuesday’s opener, set for a few teething troubles as they transition Paul into their group.

The Dubs could easily triumph by 20 then. If they do, it will be very much an ominous sign of things to come.

Mark's best bets

• Over 68.5 wins over Golden State
• (22-25, Unibet)
• Golden State to win the championship
• (11-20, Unibet)

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