Our NBA insiders are debating the biggest topics in the league. With the Warriors and Celtics facing off for the first time since the NBA Finals, where does each team stand a little more than a quarter into the season?
Chris Mannix: All right, Howard, nearly two months into the season and we finally get the matchup we have been waiting for: Warriors-Celtics, a Finals rematch between two teams that are still Finals contenders. Both of these teams have had a lot going on early this season, but let’s start with the champs. Give me your thoughts on the state of the Warriors right now.
Howard Beck: The good news is Steph Curry has extended his shooting range to 90 feet! Oh wait, never mind. Well, the good news is, Curry is having one of his greatest seasons, at age 34, and has almost single-handedly sustained the Warriors’ title defense. But obviously, this has been one of the rockiest starts we’ve seen for a defending champion. And now they face the Celtics, who are considerably stronger than they were when these teams faced off in June. I do think the Warriors have stabilized. Klay Thompson is showing signs of a revival. Draymond Green has been excellent. The starting lineup remains one of the NBA’s best. The clear concerns are about their bench and their youth. I’d say they have some work to do between now and the playoffs. Given all that, what does this rematch mean to the Celtics?
