It’s Christmas
The Christmas Day schedule is a good indicator for which teams a relevant and interesting in the NBA.
In previous seasons, the Warriors would have been the first team listed, with their plethora of superstars making every game an event.
Without Durant and almost certainly Klay Thompson, there is far less intrigue surrounding Golden State for the casual NBA fan. Undoubtedly, the marquee match-up this Christmas will not involve the Warriors, as the Lakers-Clippers intra-city showdown is set to highlight the day.
Nevertheless, the fact that they were simply chosen as one of the ten teams to play is a welcome reminder that the Warriors remain one of the league’s most popular, marketable teams.
Even with less talent, it will be fascinating the watch a very different squad develop over the coming season, and their inclusion implies that the NBA media agrees.
In truth, it would have been immensely surprising if the Warriors had been left out, but it remains a nice boost for a franchise whose popularity has taken a hit this summer.