Even though the Golden State Warriors have had a hit-and-miss season, they currently appear to be in good shape to at least reach the postseason.
If and when they make it in, Tracy McGrady thinks they should want a first-round matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies and not the Sacramento Kings.
“If you’re a four-time champion, I think it really doesn’t matter,” McGrady said on Inside the NBA when asked who the Warriors would want to face. “You want Memphis because of all the woofing. You want to send a message.”
“You want Memphis because of all the woofing.” @Tmac_213 on who the Warriors would want to face in a potential 1st round playoff series 👀 pic.twitter.com/pv8hg8PxeP
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 29, 2023
Considering the tensions between these sides, the Warriors would certainly love nothing more than to send the Grizzlies home in the first round. The playoff series between them last year was very tense and the four meetings this season (which they split 2-2) were must-watch television. They would also send a message in the process, but you don’t really see a scenario where they would want this matchup. The reason for that is pretty simple, and that is that the Grizzlies are set to be the second seed.
If the Warriors are to face them in the first round, then that means they’ll have to be in the play-in tournament and they’d want to avoid that at any costs. They are currently the sixth seed with a 40-37 record and would be hoping to climb further up the standings.
Draymond Green Wants To Face The Sacramento Kings
As for who the Warriors want to face, it is actually the Kings. Draymond Green stated on his podcast that he wants a first-round matchup against them because they wouldn’t have to travel much. Draymond said they had to go on the road to Denver and Memphis last year, and it takes a toll on the body.
The Kings would also be, in their minds, the easiest matchup, but they do say to be careful what you wish for. Kendrick Perkins, for one, believes the Warriors should try to stay away from the Kings, as they would lose that series. Whoever they end up matching with, it looks set to be an intriguing series, at the very least.
Source: https://fadeawayworld.net
