Fansided

5 biggest surprises from ESPN’s NBA win projections

By Ynal Al-Ouri

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 27: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a made basket against the Houston Rockets at the Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 27: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a made basket against the Houston Rockets at the Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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1. The Golden State Warriors end up with less wins

The Golden State Warriors absolutely dominated the NBA last season, as everybody predicted. They won 67 games last season, and essentially walked through the playoffs to win their second title in the past three seasons. Kevin Durant made a championship-caliber team just unfair, and he re-signed with them this past offseason to ensure their run doesn’t end anytime soon.

The ESPN projections have Golden State winning only 62 games this upcoming season. Five games doesn’t seem like a whole lot, but it certainly does when you’re talking about the best team in the league. Sure the Western Conference has gotten better, and sure some of their role players are another year older, but there’s really no reason to think that Golden State won’t at least duplicate their 67-win season unless they really focus on resting key players for the playoffs.

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Durant who was perhaps their best player last season, missed 20 games and the team still went 15-5 without him. After winning his first championship last season, there’s no reason to think Durant isn’t hungry for another one. Curry also signed a mega deal this offseason, and the two-time MVP seems poised to continue to put up the typical gaudy numbers we have been accustomed too. Even though they have more competition this season, they are still the overwhelming favorites to win another championship.

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