The Golden State Warriors finished the 2023-2024 preseason with a 4-1 record, erasing some concerns about a challenging season and Opening Night game vs. the Suns. The Warriors are hoping to execute Coach Steve Kerr's small-ball attack (with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson as the focal points) to an eighth franchise championship and a win on Opening Night vs. Kevin Durant and the Suns.
Recently Warriors franchise legend Andre Iguodala shared a bold championship claim following his retirement from the NBA. The latest media poll has the Warriors pegged as a title contender for 2023-2024, just behind their Opening Night opponents the Suns.
The latest starting lineups have the Warriors likely to include either trade addition Chris Paul or rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis in the starting lineup. Suns stars Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are both listed as questionable for Tuesday night's marquee matchup, which could be a high-scoring affair if Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and other stars on both teams play as expected.
With that in mind, let's get to our Opening Night Warriors vs. Suns predictions.
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Trayce Jackson-Davis Becomes a Fan Favorite
Indiana rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis made his first career start in the Warriors' final preseason game, scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds for the Dubs.
Jackson-Davis fits in perfectly with Coach Kerr's new approach. He has the versatility to play any frontcourt position in Kerr's offense, which should earn him extra minutes on Opening Night. Expect a big game in Jackson-Davis' debut in front of the hometown fans at the Chase Center.
Chris Paul Will Play At Least 30 Minutes
Most projections have Paul penciled in as the Warriors' starter for Opening Night in San Francisco. Paul will take on his former team the Suns with expectations of proving he can still play at a high level.
Knowing the work ethic, confidence, and talent of the 38-year-old former Wake Forest Demon Deacons point guard, fans can expect a big performance.
Paul's counterpart is expected to be either Beal, a shooting guard by trade, or second year player Jordan Goodwin. A matchup with Goodwin could prove difficult for Paul, who is 14 years Goodwin's senior. If Beal is able to overcome his ‘questionable' injury report situation prior to the matchup, expect Paul to excel on Opening Night with his passing and floor general skills.
Paul currently resides in third place on the NBA's all-time assists list, 590 behind Jason Kidd for second place. The bold prediction here is that Paul's third place position will motivate him to reach new heights as a pass-first point guard, amassing assists to Curry, Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green and others en route to a 10-assist Opening Night performance.
Steve Kerr Will Record His 466th Career Coaching Victory
The Warriors could have a difficult time dealing with taller and more physical teams including the Nuggets, Lakers and this season. The bold prediction here is that the Warriors take care of home court with a resounding 15-20 point win on opening night against their Western Conference Rivals.
Andrew Wiggins, Jackson-Davis and Green will frustrate Kevin Durant into uncharacteristic difficulties shooting the basketball in the second half while the Warriors knock down at least 12 three-pointers.
Kerr was recently named as a Top 15 Coach All-Time in NBA History. Expect the former Bulls guard and longtime NBA innovator to lead the Warriors to a plethora of regular season victories in preparation for what should be a tightly contested playoff season in the summer of 2024.
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