Yup. But they still pull in records ratings because they lost the Finals in 2016 after going 73-9, which is why we watch sports. Everyone wants to see GSW lose, so every series they're in (after this first round) will be interesting with compelling story lines on how an upset could occur.
Nobody wants the NBA equivalent of a Columbus-Winnipeg final (Denver-Orlando). It's just significantly more likely in one sport than the other.
It's not a forgone conclusion the Warriors win. They were a Chris Paul injury away from missing the finals last year and this team is the most vulnerable the GS has ever looked. Cousins hasn't gelled at all and is looking like a complete defensive liability, Green has taken a major step back offensively and slight one defensively, Iguodala has gotten a year older, Thompson is shooting worse, the bench is worse, theirs locker room discontent and their stars have alot of mileage on their bodies.
Both their biggest their threats in the Bucks and Raptors have home court advantage and have swept the season series. The Bucks have been utterly dominant this year and by all metrics and stats are better then the Warriors. The Raptors are not as good, but have the personal defensively that will be able to stop GS defensively. Don't count out the Rockets either; Theyve been looking like the Rockets of last year and a second round matchup is better for them as it means Harden has less of a chance of getting fatigued (arguably why they lost last year)
Back to hockey, TB D looks awful. They aren't moving the puck up in a timely matter which allows Torts to execute his neutral zone trap which creates turnovers or forces their forwards to play a dump and chase game they aren't well equipped to play against the Bluejackets puck moving D. Tampa getting swept would be embarrassing for the NHL, but losing in a close series (which I think Tampa can do) would not really be that surprising. The Bluejackets would be like the 5th best team in the west and they have underachieved heavily this year. A Jones, Werenski, Bobs, PLD, Panarin, Atkitson, Ducheane core shouldn't finish 2 points above 9th
