Gamethread: Warriors kick off the playoffs against the Spurs
JaVale McGee gets the start as the Dubs begin their quest for a title.
The Golden State Warriors’ quest for a third title in four years begins today. The 2018 NBA Playoffs will finally get underway when the Warriors tip things off against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena.
And the person doing that tipping? JaVale McGee, who gets the nod as the starting center.
Golden State expected to start JaVale McGee at center for Game 1 against San Antonio, league sources tell ESPN. It would be his fourth career playoff start.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 14, 2018
The Warriors have used a rotating crop of starting centers over the past few months, so it wasn’t clear who would start. McGee seems like a great option, as he can punish the slower and less athletic Pau Gasol, both in the pick and roll, and in transition.
To no one’s surprise, the Warriors also made the bad news official: Stephen Curry and Patrick McCaw will not be playing, as they have been ruled out with injuries.
Injury report for Game 1 vs. San Antonio: Stephen Curry (left MCL sprain) & Patrick McCaw (lumbar spine contusion) are out.
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) April 14, 2018
Otherwise, the team is healthy, and ready to go. They’ll be starting McGeen, Draymond Green, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Quinn Cook.
16 wins to go. Hopefully the first comes this afternoon.
Let’s Go Dubs!