Warriors' Livingston hopes to avoid Nuggets in playoffs: 'It's hard to breathe up there'

If the NBA playoffs started today, the No. 1 seed Golden State Warriors (65-14) would battle the Portland Trail Blazers (39-40) in the opening round, which would be a rematch of last year's Western Conference semifinals.

Then again, there's still time for that to change, as Portland only has a one game lead over the Denver Nuggets (38-41) with three games remaining on each of their schedules.

Warriors guard Shaun Livingston doesn't really care who his team gets matched up, but if he had to choose one, he'd roll with another Portland series. That's not to say he feels the Blazers would be an easier out, but compared to competing in the Mile High City, Livingston wouldn't have as much difficulty catching his breath in Rip City.

"Nobody wants to play in the mountains," Livingston said during morning shootaround on Saturday. "I'm not a high elevation type of guy. But whatever happens, it is what it is.

"Every year they (Nuggets) got a good home record for a reason. It's true. It's hard to breathe up there. Good city, but to play ... nah."

Golden State went 2-1 against Denver this season, with their lone loss coming at the Pepsi Center by 22 points on Feb. 13. Over those three outings, Livingston averaged six points, 2.5 rebounds, and two assists in 13.3 minutes coming off the bench.