The Golden State Warriors are the overwhelming favorites to win a third straight championship, but they are far from full strength right now. According to the Warriors PR department, Shaun Livingston is doubtful for team's Monday night contest against the Phoenix Suns with a left knee contusion. Additionally, DeMarcus Cousins is ruled out for the game with an Achilles injury — this is nothing new, though.

Shaun Livingston and Cousins represent the biggest threat to Golden State's run to the championship. Missing a game in October against the Suns will have little effect on their overall goals, of course, but injuries are a potential hazard for the defending champs. Cousins is returning from a devastating Achilles injury and there's no guarantee that he returns to his All-Star form.

Furthermore, an injury to one of the stars on the Warriors could open the door for a team like the Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, or Toronto Raptors to sneak in and upset Golden State. Hopefully, no one on the Warriors gets injured, but it's always a possibility.

Even last year, Andre Iguodala's injury put Golden State in a precarious position and they may have lost to the Rockets if not for a series-changing injury to Chris Paul.

The Warriors enter the season without Cousins, and a few other players coming in slowly like Livingston and Draymond Green. Golden State and Steve Kerr will make sure to give their guys rest as the season progresses.