Oddsmakers Indicate Warriors Turnaround Is Coming
By Peter Dewey
The Golden State Warriors have not looked like one of the best teams in the NBA as of late, losing six of their last eight games and ranking in the middle of the pack on both sides of the ball since February.
The Warriors are 2-6 in their last 8 games.
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 2, 2022
They are 15th in offense and 16th in defense since February.
They are only half a game ahead of the Grizzlies for the West 2nd seed. pic.twitter.com/P41E5NkHC1
Despite those struggles, the oddsmakers at WynnBET aren't selling the Warriors just yet. Golden State is atop the list to win the NBA Finals this season, tied with the Phoenix Suns for the shortest odds to win the title.
Warriors Atop Latest NBA Championship Odds
- Golden State Warriors: +425
- Phoenix Suns: +425
- Brooklyn Nets: +500
- Philadelphia 76ers: +650
- Milwaukee Bucks: +700
- Miami Heat: +800
- Utah Jazz: +1600
- Boston Celtics: +2000
- Chicago Bulls: +2500
- Memphis Grizzlies: +2500
The Warriors have hit a rough patch, especially out of the All-Star break, as Klay Thompson has been dealing with an illness. Still, Golden State is far from doomed, as it still is in the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference and should have home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Draymond Green's Return Will Change Warriors' Outlook
One thing that can't be lost on bettors is the impact of Draymond Green, who has missed the last 23 games with a back injury. The Warriors are just 15-13 when Green doesn't play this season, but they are 28-6 when he is in the lineup.
Green has been ramping up his return, participating in practice, which should be a positive sign for the Warriors' playoff outlook.
Klay Thompson and Draymond Green made it to Dallas. Both are currently taking part in a long Warriors practice. Green continues to edge a bit closer, do a bit more on court.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 2, 2022
Green was the favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year award at WynnBET prior to suffering the back injury, so there's no doubt that he is an impact player for Golden State. The Warriors have a net rating of plus-8.8 points per 100 possessions with Green on the floor this season.
Should You Get in on Warriors' Futures?
There isn't necessarily a chance to buy low on the Warriors right now, but they are a team certainly worth wagering on if they slip a little further in the odds.
The Nets are at +500 despite a plethora of injuries and uncertainty around their core three players, so if Golden State falls below that threshold, it may be a good move to get in on the Warriors to win it all.
As long as Curry and Thompson are healthy the rest of the season and Green returns, the Warriors should make some noise in the playoffs.