3 Ways the bubble has impacted Golden State Warriors
By Tony Pesta
![LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 04: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Cameron Payne #15 look on during the game against the LA Clippers at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 04: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns and Cameron Payne #15 look on during the game against the LA Clippers at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b9072c7548b0fe94d75a6121601aaee9fbf22fcb591579b80dd116b8d0e65ca7.jpg)
2. Pelicans meltdown
It felt like a sealed deal for the New Orleans Pelicans to force a play-in against the Memphis Grizzlies for the eight-seed in the Western Conference. Instead, the Pelicans are headed to the NBA Draft Lottery.
A heartbreaking loss to the San Antonio Spurs gives the Pelicans a slim chance of reaching the playoffs. Zion Williamson has been reduced to less than 20 minutes a game while the Pelicans’ inapt defense has been their downfall in Orlando.
As of now, New Orleans will sit just outside of the top 10 in the upcoming draft order. However, a bit of luck could push them further up the board. This could have huge ramifications for the Warriors as a fully loaded Pelicans team with a new lottery talent could be dangerous.
The Western Conference is growing at rapid rates and another piece added to the Pelicans young core would likely push them over the top after an underwhelming outing in Orlando. Watch out for the Pels next year as they are close to being a lock for the playoffs.