The Golden State Warriors play the Los Angeles Clippers tonight, their first stop on a what is a five-game, seven-day road trip.
It promises to be a grueling travel schedule, with stops in L.A., Utah, Memphis, Minnesota, and New Orleans. Warriors coach Steve Kerr understands that. Thus, some key players will be rested throughout the week.
Steve Kerr says "it's likely" the Warriors rest guys on this trip, but not tonight pic.twitter.com/u2bLe8sRZm
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 7, 2016
But before Golden State leaves California, the Warriors — and their marquee players — have some business to take care of.
While some players might get some rest during this trip, it won’t be in the first leg of the trip against the Clippers. Kerr said Wednesday that all the players will play in the team’s first matchup of the season against their in-state foes.
This move makes sense. Golden State is coming off of a nice home stand, so the guys should be rested at least for the L.A. game. Also, these two teams are likely two of the biggest contenders in the Western Conference, so there are the playoff seeding considerations to think about, as crazy as that might sound in early December. Plus, it’s the 10:30 Eastern national game on ESPN, featuring two of the hottest teams in basketball. That counts for something.
Aside from the on-the-court consequences, Kevin Durant had reportedly given strong consideration to the Clippers before heading to the Bay Area. It’s easy to believe that Durant’s consideration will be on the mind of Chris Paul and company when these two teams face off.
Both teams are playing well, but Los Angeles has the added incentive of avoiding a replay of the game that happened early last season, when the Warriors won by more than 40 points.
