ESPN NBA analyst Brad Daugherty was once the All-time leading scorer in Cleveland Cavalier history until someone named LeBron James came along. With Kevin Durant out injured for the time being Daugherty views the Cavs the favorite, but has some concerns about their health and the loss of Andrew Bogut:
"“If Bogut had played with the first unit he could have been a great facilitator for the offense in the high post. I think his role would have been pretty significant and they needed his rim protection as well.”"
Kevin Durant coming back healthy could change things as well. Are the Warriors a better team this year or is last years 73 win team superior? Daugherty thinks this year’s team has a significant edge:
"“They are decidedly better. If Kevin Durant is healthy I really don’t see anybody beating them. You might get a game or two, but no team could stop them. They could score 150 if they had to.”"
Golden State is playing at San Antonio Saturday night 830 ET/ 730 CT on ABC. The Warriors are two games up on San Antonio, but have already lost three games including the game Durant was injured at Washington.
San Antonio had won nine in a row before losing to Oklahoma City. The Spurs have won 50 or more games 18 seasons in a row, far and away an NBA record.
Follow Mark Carman on twitter @thecarm.