NBA futures: Is Green's absence better or worse for the Warriors' odds?
It's been a bizarre season so far for the Golden State Warriors, and things got crazier last week when Draymond Green was handed an indefinite suspension. But could that be what the Dubs need to be favored with oddsmakers again?
Golden State was a favorite to win another Larry O'Brien Trophy prior to the start of their 2023-24 campaign, but last-minute losses and constant shenanigans courtesy of their controversial power forward knocked them down to a long shot at major sportsbooks?
With Green now serving an indefinite suspension, are the Warriors' odds of winning another championship on the rise -- or in a spiral?
The Warriors have fallen to a 28-1 long shot to win the NBA championship which, if we're being honest, is probably thanks to multiple fourth-quarter meltdowns more than Green's antics. And while you may initially think that Green's recent suspension would make the Warriors a more appealing pick, Golden State is still arguably a better team with him in the lineup.
Before the former Defensive Player of the Year was sidelined, the Warriors were listed at +100 odds to make the playoffs. Now, a couple of games into the indefinite suspension, their odds have lengthened to +125 -- and that's after they have won two straight games.
"Since the start of the 2021-22 season, the Warriors are 25-28 without Green (3-5 this season) compared to 22-24 without [Stephen] Curry," SportsLine observed. "It is very fair to say that Green has been the second-most important player on the team during this dynastic run behind Curry."
However, it should be reiterated that Green's shenanigans are not where the Warriors' problems end. Before winning two straight games against the Brooklyn Nets and Portland Trailblazers respectfully, Golden State lost four of five and all of those games were lost in the second half after they had a lead. And even in their win against the Trailblazers, Portland was able to attempt a late-game comeback.
So what will make the Warriors a better bet in Green's absence? Will it be Klay Thompson being a more consistent playmaker in the second half of games? Will it be younger players stepping up and making Golden State harder to play against with Green not on the court?
The first big test will be on Tuesday when the Warriors host the best in the East and their 2022 Finals opponent, the Boston Celtics. Boston is the current +360 favorite to win the NBA Finals this season, and they are -225 favorites on the money line to win Tuesday's tilt.
Can a win on Tuesday help the Warriors' odds in a post-Draymond Green era? Stay tuned.
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