Kevin Pelton released ESPN’s statistical projections for the 2022-23 NBA season earlier this week and sure gave Dubs Nation something to talk about. While the Golden State Warriors are coming off the NBA title, Pelton’s projection has them expected to win just 41.9 games and finish 8th in the Western Conference behind the Suns, Nuggets, Pelicans, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, Clippers, and Mavericks.
It’s worth pointing out that these models often underpredict win totals, projecting the Suns (the best team in the West, per their model) to win just 49 games. With that said, the fact that the Dubs find themselves behind seven teams, three of which they defeated in the postseason earlier this year (Nuggets, Grizzlies, and Mavericks) and one (Clippers) who missed the playoffs altogether seems hard to believe.