Since the All-Star break, the Golden State has a record of 20-7! Yet they failed to beat the Clippers in the all-important game, and now they have the exit sword hanging over their head. It was a rejuvenated Warriors team since the addition of Jimmy Butler. Despite the addition, Charles Barkley wasn’t a huge fan of Jimmy Buckets. Before their match against the Grizzlies in the Play-in Tournament, the Chukster has some concerns.

“As I told you last week, I think they’re (Clippers) the second best team in the West. But this is a must-win for the Warriors tonight.” The TNT analyst said on the recent Inside the NBA show. “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.” Unlike the teams that have qualified as top 6 seeds, the rest 4 are part of a tournament.

In the overtime loss to the Grizzlies, Jimmy Butler played 48 minutes and then suffered a contusion. Not to forget, Steph Curry is dealing with a thumb injury. So, this Play-in matchup after 48 hours is not ideal. Being the 7th seed, they face the number 8 Memphis, and the winner plays against the Rockets. That’s why Charles Barkley chimed in and said the Stephen Curry-led team might be at a disadvantage.

“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.” In short, Chukster wasn’t happy with the Warriors as the Play-in team as the task gets difficult for them.

But his co-analysts, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal, are pretty confident about the Golden State getting the dub. “They’re at the crib. Everybody plays well at the crib, so I’m with Kenny on it this one, I’m going with Golden State tonight.” So, the Lakers legend called it an easy win, while Barkley called it a must-win.

Charles Barkley’s prediction about Jimmy Butler’s addition comes true

We all know Playoff Jimmy is another beast. That’s why his addition to the Golden State was celebrated wildly, as the fans wanted another scorer beside Chef Curry. The new Warriors number 10 seem to have gelled instantly, as the team had a 20-7 since the All-Star break. But Chuck did not board that hype a few months ago.

“Jimmy is a very good player but I don’t think it’s going to move the needle. Are they better than they were yesterday? Probably, but they’re still not at the top. They’re going to be in the play in…” Charles Barkley said two months ago, and the team finished in a Play-in spot. Plus, being 35 and Curry being 37, the minutes had this stage of the season prove to be crucial. But the Warriors star feels confident about the team’s chances, despite the schedule and few injuries.

“We’re right where we want to be,” he said, reinforcing that the Warriors are still in control of their own fate. And with him on the floor, even at 80%, they just might be. “If 48’s needed, 50 is needed, then you’ve got to be able to do it.” Golden State features in the Play-In tournament for the second straight season. But the victory will mean they face the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets in the playoffs.