Golden State Warriors starts the NBA playoffs as the heavy favourite to win a third straight title.
The star cast of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and DeMarcus Cousins pose an intimidating threat on the court.
Former NBA players Paul Pierce and Jalen Rose — both ESPN analysts now — believe that while Warriors are packed with quality, the team is not without a few chinks in the armour.
Pierce, a 10-time All-Star, said Warriors lack bench strength.
“There is a lack of depth. If guys get into foul trouble, it could be a problem,” Pierce said, in a telephonic conservation arranged by Sony Pictures Networks India on Friday.
Rose, on the other hand, is concerned about Curry, who injured his ankle in a recent outing against New Orleans Pelicans.
Rose added that the Warriors players should keep their temper in check when interacting with referees.
"Draymond, Boogie (Cousins) and K.D. (Durant) — they’re going to be tough on the officials, and that can play a factor with foul trouble,” Rose said.
Rockets too in the running
Houston Rockets, led by the sensational James Harden, has also staked a claim to the title.
“Houston has to make their three-pointers. They had a chance to win last year (in Game 7 against Warriors of the Western Conference Finals), but missed 27 straight three-pointers at a crucial juncture.
“Also, while Harden has been terrific, they’re going to need Chris Paul to stay healthy and play at a high level,” Rose said.
Pierce is hopeful that Harden will step up to the plate, unlike his disastrous show in Game 6 of the 2017 NBA Western Conference semifinals against San Antonio Spurs.
Harden’s poor performance in that outing led to questions being asked about his big-match temperament.
“Houston has had a problem in the past, with Harden having that one horrendous game in a crucial playoff fixture. Other than that, if he can play at an MVP level, they have all the ingredients of a champion side,” Pierce said.
Warriors take on Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round on Sunday, while Houston faces Utah Jazz.
If the first round results go their way, Warriors and Rockets will clash in the semifinals.