Golden State Warriors: 3 Biggest threats in Play-In Tournament

By Tony Pesta | Apr 25, 2021

PORTLAND, OREGON - MARCH 03: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles against Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the first quarter at Moda Center on March 03, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Golden State Warriors top threats: New Orleans Pelicans

In a league where the lineups are getting consistently smaller, Zion Williamson has become the number one bully on the block. His brute force in the paint has made the New Orleans Pelicans a sleeper team to reach the Play-In, but do they have enough time to catch up?

The Pelicans are 3.5 games back from the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors for a Play-In spot. With 13 games remaining and the 10th toughest remaining schedule — it will be an uphill battle for New Orleans to narrow the gap.

Thankfully, the Warriors will be able to take matters into their own hands as they face the Pelicans three times down the stretch of the season. This makes the Pelicans a dual threat to knock the Warriors out of the Play-In entirely or simply defeat them in round one of the tournament.

As mentioned, slowing Zion will be the key to stalling New Orleans. The big man is averaging nearly 30 points on above 60 percent shooting from the floor since February and will be tough to handle for a Warriors team with no rim protectors.

We haven’t yet seen the Warriors and Pelicans face off this season but we’ll get our first look on May 3. Keep an eye out for this game as it will set the tone for how these two teams will fare against one another in these pivotal games moving forward.

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