The Golden State Warriors haven’t lived up to expectations this season. Inconsistent play and lineup changes have them scrambling for a playoff spot through the play-in tournament.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73272872/1838674456.0.jpg)
However, a recent hot streak keeps hope alive. Winning eight of their last nine games and boasting a strong post-All-Star break record, the Warriors have a chance to climb the Western Conference standings.
Their fate hinges on Thursday’s game against the lowly Portland Trail Blazers. A loss would be a major blow to their playoff aspirations. A win, however, opens the door for several potential scenarios.
Long Shot at the 7-Seed
This requires a confluence of unlikely events:
– Warriors win all remaining games (Blazers, Pelicans, Jazz)
– Suns win both remaining games (Kings, Timberwolves)
– Pelicans lose all remaining games (Warriors, Kings, Lakers)
– Kings win against Pelicans but lose to Suns and Blazers
The odds are slim (around 2%), but stranger things have happened in the NBA.
More Realistic: Jumping Lakers and Kings for the 8-Seed
The Warriors need to win at least one more game than the Kings, who currently hold the tiebreaker. Here are some possibilities:
– Kings go 1-2 or 0-3, Warriors win all remaining games (8-seed)
– Warriors go 2-1 (losing 1 game), Kings lose at least 2 (8-seed) (Lakers must also lose 1 game)
The key here: the Kings can’t win more than one game for the Warriors to have a shot at the 8-seed.
Most Likely: Battling the Lakers in the 9-Seed Play-In
Currently, the Warriors hold the tiebreaker over the Lakers. If they maintain their record advantage or tie, they’ll host the Lakers in a win-or-go-home play-in game.
– Warriors win all remaining games, Lakers win 2 (Warriors 9-seed)
– Lakers win out, Warriors lose 1 (Lakers 9-seed)
Facing the Grim Reality of the 10-Seed
A loss to Portland puts the Warriors in a precarious position. They’d likely face the Lakers again in the 10-seed play-in game.
– Warriors win over Portland puts them ahead of the Lakers (9-seed)
– Lakers win out and Warriors lose 1 (Lakers 9-seed)
The Warriors control their destiny to some extent. Wins now will push the Lakers down the standings. A strong finish can secure a more favorable play-in matchup and potentially a smoother path to the playoffs.