The Golden State Warriors have the look of a legitimate championship contender so far this season, and they may be getting more help soon. The team's scorching start has seen them play nearly every game without star forward David Lee, and center Andrew Bogut has missed time as well.

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David Lee has been out for almost the whole season with a strained hamstring, and Andrew Bogut missed last night's game against the Houston Rockets. Even without two of their best big men, the Warriors were able to dispatch a team that fancies themselves title contenders as well.

According to media reports, Bogut missed the game with knee tendinitits, which is not expected to cause him to miss significant time. It also leveled the playing field a bit for the two teams, as Houston's star center Dwight Howard also missed the game. It barely affected Golden State, as they used small-ball lineups to great effect in the victory.

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Coach Steve Kerr does not expect Bogut to miss additional time, and the team believes that David Lee could return soon. Lee has played in just one game this season, logging only seven minutes before suffering his injury. He was expected to be the driving offensive force for the team's second unit, and his offensive prowess figures to add another dimension to an already-dangerous team.

Lee is scheduled to practice on Thursday, and he is supposed to travel with the team as they head to Dallas this weekend, although there is not yet word on whether he will suit up against the Mavericks.

Golden State is off to a league-best 19-2 start thanks to the league's best defense. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the "splash brothers," are leading the way on offense, and the return of Lee only figures to bolster their performance on the offensive end. Golden State already looks like a force to be reckoned with, and the return of David Lee may make them the favorite in the Western Conference.

Below, you can see what Charles Barkley and Shaq think of Golden State so far.