It was looking a bit questionable not too long ago – but the Golden State Warriors path to the NBA Playoffs is quickly opening up. Not only have they essentially secured a spot in the Play-In tournament, but they are threatening to steal the eighth seed from Memphis.
The Golden State Warriors have pushed through an adverse season and it’s paying off. The NBA Playoffs are officially in their sights.
The Dubs are tied for the third-highest active win streak in the NBA at four games. They’ve toppled relatively easy teams such as the Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, but a win is a win.
A true test of strength is approaching with the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers next on their schedule. Boston has won five straight while the 76ers sit uncontested as the top-seed in the East.
However, their path to the playoffs opens up directly after this stretch. Golden State has one of the easiest schedules remaining and will have a chance to overtake Memphis in the standings during the final game of the season.
As of now, the Dubs are less than a game behind the Grizzlies for the eighth seed. While the Play-In tournament grants a chance to the ninth and 10th seeds regardless, the value of being the eighth seed would benefit the Warriors in this new format.
If the Warriors are able to leap Memphis in the standings, they would only have to win one of two games to enter the postseason. In fact, a win over the Dallas Mavericks would take them all the way to the seventh seed in the West.
Although I still believe the franchise would be better suited missing the playoffs and retaining their first round pick, it’s hard to argue against the string of games they’ve had. Stephen Curry is blazing and there’s not much that will stop the Warriors from punching their tickets to the playoffs soon.