Draymond Green wants to face Kings in playoffs, but the reason is not what you think

Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors wants to face the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Kings have not made the postseason since 2006, so fans might think that Green likes the matchup, as it's easier.

However, the former Defensive Player of the Year has a very different reason why he wants the Kings in the first round. He revealed on "The Draymond Green Show" that the trip would be much smoother if the Warriors were against Sacramento, as it's just under an hour via plane.

"The reason why I say Sac is simply just because of the travel," Green said. "That's a lot on your body, and we could bust right an hour and 10 minutes away, I just think that's much better for us. Now, Sac is playing well and a very good team. But just from the travel, at the end of the day, I don't really care who we play in the playoffs."

Draymond Green explained that last year's playoffs were much harder for the Golden State Warriors in terms of travel. The Warriors traveled to Denver in the first round, which was a two-and-a-half hour flight plus altitude.

In the second round, Golden State faced the Memphis Grizzlies. It was almost a six-hour flight to Tennessee, and Green ranted about how the Grizzlies should be in the Eastern Conference. It should be noted that Memphis is closer to Atlanta, but they relocated from Vancouver, which is on the Western side of Canada.

The Warriors then went up against the Dallas Mavericks, and their flight time was around three hours. However, it's nothing compared to the travel time from San Francisco to Boston for the NBA Finals, which is a grueling six-hour flight.

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Draymond Green dealing with minor neck injury

Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors

Draymond Green is listed as probable for Tuesday (Mar. 28)'s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Golden State Warriors revealed in their latest injury report that Green is dealing with a sore neck. He was hit in the head and was pushed from the back in the Warriors' loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday (Mar. 26).

Green has also been dealing with multiple minor injuries and ailments all season. SB Nation's Golden State of Mind thinks that Green is nowhere near 100% healthy but playing his heart out due to the team's current situation.

The Warriors are seventh in the Western Conference with a 39-37 record. The defending champs are just half a game ahead of the Pelicans and could create separation with a win. They could also move past the Minnesota Timberwolves for the sixth seed.