2013 NBA Playoffs: Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets Preview

Forward – Harrison Barnes vs Wilson Chandler

Again, Chandler and Iguodala are interchangeable. They both have the size and strength to play the small forward position.

April 17, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) drives to the basket past Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) during the first half at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Chandler has taken Danilo Gallinari’s spot, and is averaging 20 points and six rebounds over his last five games (four starts). He isn’t the shooter Gallinari is, but he’s certainly capable of filling in while contributing in different ways.

Don’t expect Barnes to play a huge role in the playoffs. Warriors’ head coach Mark Jackson tends to play Jarrett Jack over Barnes in crunch time, and it’s plausible to think that the crunch time concept is expanded during the playoffs, where everything and every minute counts. Plus, Jack is far more experienced than Barnes, which also could play a part in Jackson’s in-game reasoning.

In short, Chandler’s contributions will be greater than Barnes’ contributions.

Advantage Denver