Impact of Stephen Curry’s Broken Hand on Warriors and the Western Conference

Stephen Curry's fractured hand, despite being a significant setback, holds an unexpected blessing for the Golden State Warriors. This injury has almost guaranteed a poor season for the team, freeing them from the pressure of actively losing for better draft pick positioning. As a result, the young talent of the Warriors will get more playing time and exposure, which is crucial for their development. D'Angelo Russell, stepping into a larger leadership role, may see an increase in trade value if the team decides not to retain him.

Warriors' Current Struggles

Entering the season, the Warriors were the runners-up in terms of point differential, having only one positive differential game with Curry playing. Their defense is another area of concern, lacking the training and preparation that characterized their dominant performances in the previous years. Teams across the league are now actively seeking the opportunity to dismantle what were once considered a formidable squad, and several teams, such as the Dallas Mavericks, are expected to capitalize on this situation, even slightly improving their odds to secure the 8th seed.

Fallout for the Western Conference

The absence of Curry deeply impacts the Western Conference landscape. One less team in contention for the playoffs presents an easier path for potential eight-seed contenders. Using last season as a reference, the eighth-seeded team had 48 wins, while the ninth-seeded team had 38 wins. If a team like Utah or San Antonio suffered a severe injury and their win total dropped to around 30, their playoff hopes would have completely vanished. With Curry being sidelined, teams like Phoenix Suns, who share a division with the Warriors and play them four times, may see an increased chance of securing a playoff spot. The race for the eighth seed is expected to be much more competitive than last season.

In essence, while the Warriors are facing an uphill battle to reclaim their Western Conference title, the injury has created an interesting shift in the power dynamics of the league. The fallen champions now pose less of a threat to the upper echelon of teams, and this season's playoffs are unlikely to see much of a change in the projected playoff picture, with the top-tier Western teams remaining dominant.

Conclusion

Stephen Curry's broken hand may be a bittersweet moment for the Warriors, ensuring a rough season but also pushing younger players to develop faster. In the broader context of the Western Conference, this injury leveling the playing field presents a new set of challenges and opportunities for teams vying for the valuable eight-seed. The Warriors, though out of playoff contention, still offer a storyline that may entertain fans and provide valuable development opportunities for their upcoming stars.