1. How Many Mins Does Steph Play?

Sam

Low 30s. I don’t imagine Kerr will extend him to 38-40 minutes like the other core guys are playing in close games. Best case scenario for GSW, Steph plays 30 minutes max and they slowly extend him up to Durant/Klay/Draymond minutes by the next round.

Andy

30

Mek

28

Sheed

26 Mins.

Alex

I think the Warriors are the smartest team in the league and they know they don’t need Steph in this series. The Warriors are favored to win, per the best basketball betting guide. However, they do need Steph to get back into the swing of things, so I expect him to play between 25-30 minutes per game.

2. How Many Points Does Steph Drop?

Sam

23. I think he’ll play in rhythm with the team. If Klay’s hot shooting continues or if KD is feeling it, he’ll likely defer to the hot hand. His presence alone should make it easier for them.

Andy

30

Mek

24

Sheed

21 Points, something light.

Alex

A modest 22 points per game for the for the former unanimous MVP. Again, I think they will ease him in to this series.

3. Does he Start? If not, why?

Sam

Yes. Come on now.

Andy

Yes. He absolutely has to start. Having the face of the franchise come off the bench when he could have played a week ago is too disrespectful, even for a nice guy like Steph.

Mek

Yes, of course. How you not start The Gawd??

Sheed

Yes, no question.

Alex

Yes, if he’s ready to play, then he’s ready to start.

4. Any worries about his ankle/knee moving forward?

Sam

Considering the amount of times he’s gotten hurt this season, there’s always a concern. He’s looked fine in warm ups recently, but you never know until you go through an actual game.

Andy

Always. It doesn’t appear as if a re-aggravation is likely but fluke injuries always are. But with Steph, unlike most superstars, it can always happen anytime.

Mek

Nope, we Gucci.

Sheed

Of course, we’ve seen a few ankle turns and a freak injury. Got everyone on edge.

Alex

At this point, all chips are on the table. You can’t have Steph in there and worry about his health. It’s do or die and while they can still win the title without Steph, there’s no question they are almost an unstoppable force with him on the floor.

5. Prediction for Game 2?

Sam

Pelicans rebound and make the game tougher than Game 1 but the Warriors have too much. GSW by 12.

Andy

GSW by 10. Pels will be much better, GSW will come out less focused with Steph back, and they’ll pull away just enough in a shootout that’ll be in the 120s.

Mek

Dubs by 14.

Sheed

Warriors win 116-107.

Alex

Warriors win by 11.