The NBA playoffs are here, and so is the banter. 
With the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets set to clash in the first round, the crew on TNT had plenty to say about what could be one of the most exciting opening series of the postseason.
The Rockets, making their first playoff appearance since 2020, are stacked with young talent and momentum.
The Warriors, battle-tested and playoff-seasoned, fought their way in through the Play-In with a 121-116 win over Memphis.
As usual, Charles Barkley stirred the pot early, siding with the Rockets and their new-wave energy.
But Shaquille O’Neal? He’s not buying into it just yet.
“I know Chuck is going with the youth, but I’m always gonna go with Chef Curry,” Shaq said, nodding to the Warriors’ veteran leadership and Steph Curry’s postseason magic.
It’s classic NBA on TNT—Shaq and Chuck taking opposite sides, with Ernie Johnson keeping the peace and Kenny Smith chiming in when needed.
"When these guys have to focus they always find a way to get it done. Jimmy Butler's first time playing with this team in a playoff situation can turn into playoff Jimmy. I like Golden State over Houston because of experience; I like to experience over youth," said O'Neal.
The four have been fixtures on the show for years, blending hoops insight with locker room energy and plenty of laughs.
This time, it’s the young guns versus the old guard. And while Barkley might be putting his money on potential, Shaq is standing by proven greatness.
You can’t blame him, either.
With Curry leading the way, the Warriors have been one of the league’s most dominant playoff teams over the last decade.
So while the Rockets may be the fresh face in the bracket, Shaq made it clear—he’s riding with Golden State.
