Warriors vs. the Grizzlies is a high-stakes game. Both teams know this as they go head-to-head in the NBA Play-In Tournament for the 7th seed. While the Warriors have had an impressive record of beating the Grizzlies five out of the last seven times, that was in the regular season. It’s the Play-In Tournament where they haven’t done well. Both Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler will be present for the game. However, the problem is different. As Chuck highlighted it on the TNT show, his colleague, Shaquille O’Neal was quick to remind him that they had been doing it for quite some time now.

Speaking of the matchup, Charles Barkley pointed out that the Warriors must have their big man in action against the Grizzlies. “The Warriors don’t have any size (Jaren Jackson). In my opinion he shoots too many threes and he don’t use his size to his advantage he prefers threes. I said but if I’m playing against the warriors they don’t have any big guys if you shoot threes you let them off the hook this is what he needs to do all night get in that lane,” Chuck said.

O’Neal quickly chimed in, “We’ve been saying that for the last seven years it ain’t gonna change.” Is Steve Kerr listening?

However, the Warriors seemingly have one advantage over the Grizzlies, which is their lineup. Considering Curry’s issues with his right thumb, there was concern that he might not play in the matchup. He injured his thumb during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers. And fortunately, right before the game, the 4x NBA champ gave the green light. 

Another significant starter from the roster is Moses Moody. The 22-year-old was considered questionable to play in the game due to his back spasms. Across his 34 starts this season, the player has averaged 11.0 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. He is undeniably a crucial piece for the matchup. And much to the fans’ relief, he was cleared to play before the game

The Memphis Grizzlies, however, listed Brandon Clarke (right knee PCL sprain) and Jaylen Wells (fractured right wrist and more issues) on their injury report. Yuki Kawamura won’t be playing for his two way contracts while Zyon Pullin, and Cam Spencer will be absent for their two-way G League contracts.

While the Warriors do have an advantage, TNT analyst Chuck has another concern, which he shared on the TNT show.

Charles Barkley and TNT crew weighs in Warriors’ future 

Warriors fans were over the moon after the addition of Butler. His potential in the playoffs is well known. Since his arrival, he has helped elevate the team. However, Chuck wasn’t convinced. He was right in his prediction that the team wouldn’t be able to avoid the Play-In Tournament. The Warriors had a chance to avoid the tournament however, they lost that chance with a defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Now, Chuck had shown concern about the team’s future. If the Warriors manage a win over the Grizzlies, they will be facing the Houston Rockets. “Because with the age they got on that team, if they lose tonight and have to play again Friday and only have like a day or a day and a half before they have to play one of those elite teams. They’re going home quickly,” Chuck said ahead of the Warriors vs. Grizzlies’ game, especially given the Warriors’ recent injuries.

Speaking of the pressure that the Warriors might feel, he further added, “There is a different vibe between playing against the Rockets, who Ime’s done a fabulous job. But them boys going to feel some pressure for the first time, and let me tell you something say obviously OKC going to feel some pressure, but I’d rather play the Rockets and OKC. I mean, that’s just a no-brainer.”

However, O’Neal holds a different opinion. Both the 4x NBA champion and Kenny “The Jet” Smith have shown faith in the Golden State Warriors‘s ability to win. How the team fares remains to be seen.