I think GSW is lowkey still a great team, people are sleeping on them even right now. They are the team that won it all last year, that is why I believe that we shouldn't really expect them to lose right away neither. They had some injury issues all season long which kept them low, but if they are in the playoffs, then they are contenders, of course with the condition that they stay healthy. I personally see a team that has curry, klay, poole, dray all on the same team with some decent role players not really that bad, they are quite good actually. Suns is good, Mavs are good, but GSW will definitely be good too.
They manage to stay afloat even with all the injuries they suffered this year. That is quite impressive. They could have a chance to repeat what they have done last year. They also were not on the top of the ranking last year but were able to win it all. But it will be harder to duplicate that right now since Durant is also in the West now with the Suns. The Warriors are still a contender, but it will be harder to win now.
That addition of Durant to Phoenix will give them a tough competition to repeat the title, West side got a lot of competitive squad who can bring upset to anyone.
It's a matter of how the chemistry and how the coach will blend the players inside the ring, not just the offensive
threat, but also the defense. Lots of adjustments for each team now, we can't predict who'll going to win but
I agree with what you said. Warriors will be there to defend the crown.