Warriors would need a big-time collapse to miss play-in tournament
The Golden State Warriors are in a good position when it comes to being a candidate for the postseason play-in tournament. While getting into a top-seven seed isn’t looking promising, neither is falling below No. 10.
Prior to Friday’s games, the Warriors were 15 games out of the top seed in the Western Conference, but they were three games ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans for the No. 10 seed in the conference.
The Golden State Warriors are going to have a tough time making it to the actually playoffs, but they should make the play-in tournament with ease.
Teams won’t want to see the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs, but they may not have to if Curry can’t keep up his historic run as the Dubs just can’t win with a moderate performance from the two-time MVP.
With Covid-19 hurting teams left and right, many don’t have great records, including the Warriors were 29-30 prior to their game against Denver. Even the Los Angeles Lakers have slipped in the rankings quite a bit.
Having been introduced last season, the NBA started a play-in tournament, and it could allow the Dubs an easy way into the playoffs. The No. 10 seed would take on the No. 7 seed which is currently the Dallas Mavericks.
The Warriors, Mavericks and Grizzlies are all separated by just a game.
That means the Warriors could technically get up to the 8th seed. Much of the Warriors season could rest on a back-to-back against the Pelicans. They play New Orleans (who is currently in the 11th seed) three times in their last eight regular-season games.
Ideally, the Warriors would be able to go on a late-season run backed by the dominance of Stephen Curry. If they can bounce their way into the the eighth seed, the team may be able to take down the Mavericks in a game to get that seventh seed, avoiding the dangerous Utah Jazz.
At the same time, neither team from Los Angeles may end up in the top two seed as injuries have played them, so either position would be better than having to face Kawhi’s Clippers or LeBron’s Lakers in the first round.
With Oklahoma City twice, Houston and Minnesota left on the schedule, the Warriors should be able to make that run down the stretch.
The real question is how long can Curry keep up high heightened play. Averaging over 40 points per game has been insane to see from him over the past few weeks, but can he sustain that success?