How the Warriors are holding up

The NBA season is only 13 days away, and with games that actually matter approaching so quickly, it’s time to answer some burning questions that could go a long way in determining how the 2016 17 season shakes out.

However, Golden State’s success could also be largely impacted by how well its power rotation holds up throughout the season.

The Warriors have been very lucky with injuries the last two seasons, and they’ll need that luck more than ever this year to deal with the rigors of playing deep into the playoffs for a third straight time.

As fun as it was at times to watch Westbrook two seasons ago when Durant missed most of the season, his incredibly high usage rate didn’t necessarily translate to on-court success for the Thunder.

Westbrook undoubtedly has a deep desire to keep Oklahoma City competitive in the West this season, but he can’t let that desire rob his game of efficiency.

The new role, plus the destruction of continuity means Westbrook could very well have a frustrating, stop-and-go start to the season before he really catches fire.

It seems silly heaping so much pressure on such a young, promising team this early in their time together, but NBA history shows young, promising teams are often not given as much time together as we hope.

Two seasons ago, James Harden was the players’ choice for NBA MVP, not Stephen Curry, and Houston was Golden State’s opponent in the Western Conference finals.

Last year, the Rockets fired Kevin McHale early in the season and snuck into the playoffs as an eight seed for another loss to Golden State.

I think Houston is flying under the radar as a surprise team heading into the season.