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Ranking 4 possible Christmas Day opponents for the Golden State Warriors

By Peter O'Keefe

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 16: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives the ball against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 16, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 130-119. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 16: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives the ball against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 16, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 130-119. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Next season’s NBA schedule is expected to be released at some point over the next month, with fans’ eyes sure to focus on the eagerly-anticipated Christmas Day battles that provides a huge highlight every year.

The Golden State Warriors have featured in each of the last 10 Christmas Day matchups, and as a genuine playoff contender possessing one of the best and most marketable players in the league, it’s surely inevitable they’ll add an 11th.

With some close rivals and intriguing storylines, there are a number of teams who the Golden State Warriors could face on Christmas Day.

Assuming the Warriors are part of the Christmas Day schedule yet again, let’s have a look at four teams they could play in order of likelihood.

4. Memphis Grizzlies

A budding rivalry that began in the 2021 Play-In Tournament and re-emerged in the second-round of the playoffs a year later, Golden State and Memphis took on each other in last year’s Christmas schedule. The Warriors came away victorious on their home floor, somewhat surprisingly given they were missing stars Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins.

The rivalry will likely cool somewhat with the antagonistic Dillon Brooks leaving the Grizzlies for the Houston Rockets. It’s probably not a matchup worthy of two Christmas Day games in a row either, but nonetheless remains a possibility.

Boston Celtics

A rematch of the 2022 NBA Finals would surely have fans salivating, particularly given both are expected to be around the mark and in contention again next season. The teams produced a classic overtime game in Boston in January, again showcasing the kind of quality contests they can provide.

Cross-conference Christmas Day games are somewhat unusual, although the Warriors have played the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks a combined four times in the last eight years. Regardless, there’s probably a couple more worthy opponents.

Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbling the ball while defended by Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter of a game at Chase Center on December 10, 2022. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbling the ball while defended by Jonathan Kuminga #00 of the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter of a game at Chase Center on December 10, 2022. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

2. Los Angeles Lakers

With each team led by arguably the two most notable basketball figures of the last decade or more, this is a California battle set up for another Christmas Day game. The Curry-Lebron James matchup in itself is worthy of any stage, and what better way to showcase it again than on the biggest day on the regular season calendar.

Add that to the fact the teams are coming off a hard-fought second-round playoff series, and are projected to be around the same spot again next season. It makes for a tantalizing clash if the league chooses to go in that direction.

1. Phoenix Suns

The teams squared off in a Christmas Day battle in 2021, with so much happening since to only add to the rivalry. On one hand you’ve got Kevin Durant coming up against Curry and Golden State again, and on the other you’ve got Chris Paul taking on his former team for one of the first occasions.

dark. Next. James Wiseman faces similar prospect after trade away from Golden State Warriors

This one makes the most sense and if the NBA is smart about it, they may even make it the first of the four games between the two teams next season. That would only heighten the excitement of a matchup between two sides with overlapping personnel who each expect to be in championship contention.

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