Pacific Division preview

The Merc dropped their Pacific Division preview today with the Warriors slated to finish #3.

3. Warriors

COACH: Mike Montgomery, 34-48 in one season.

2004-05 RECORD: 34-48, tied for fourth place.

PROJECTED STARTERS: Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy, Adonal Foyle, Jason Richardson, Baron Davis.

KEY RESERVES: Mickael Pietrus, Derek Fisher, Andris Biedrins, Zarko Cabarkapa, Ike Diogu.

OUTLOOK: Unlike the past two years when the Warriors were coming off late-season success, there is legitimate cause for optimism. In 2003, the Warriors had a 14-10 stretch and threatened the .500 mark before losing their final four. But that team lost Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison. In 2004, Golden State finished 12-5, then lost Erick Dampier, Nick Van Exel and Brian Cardinal. But the team that closed 2005 with a 14-4 mark comes back intact. But even if the Warriors post a winning season, making the playoffs in the tough Western Conference is another story. Remember, Minnesota was 44-38 last season and missed the playoffs.

The rest of the preview has the Kings #1, Suns #2, Clippers #4 and Lakers #5.