Do Celtics, Anyone, Have a Chance Against Golden State This Year?

By Adam Lowenstein (@StatsAdam)

Why the Warriors’ Chances at 2018 Title are Still Sky High

While Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks dominate the current NBA news, the Warriors are readying themselves to defend their second championship in the last three years as the NBA’s heavy favorite to win the 2018 Finals.

Golden State is getting the band back together after registering the league’s best offensive efficiency, effective field goal percentage and true-shooting percentage during last year’s regular season. Although they were the Western Conference’s worst squad in terms of defensive rebounding, they were among the league’s top teams on the defensive end of the basketball.

West Round 1 Preview: (4) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard can shoot the lights out, but he'll need to step up on defense for Portland to advance.

By Jeremy Conlin (@jeremy_conlin)

By The Numbers:

Houston:
54-28 (33-8 Home; 21-20 Road)
PPG: 107.7 (2nd); PPG Allowed: 103.1 (23rd)
+4.6 Average Scoring Margin (6th)
Off Rating: 108.6 (4th); Def Rating: 103.1 (12th)
+5.5 Net Efficiency Margin (5th)

Portland:
54-28 (31-10 Home; 23-18 Road)
PPG: 106.7 (4th); PPG Allowed: 102.8 (22nd)
+4.0 Average Scoring Margin (8th)
Off Rating: 108.2 (6th); Def Rating: 104.7 (16th)
+3.5 Net Efficiency Margin (T-8th)