Warriors finish outside the top eight but take on the Spurs in the first game
The final spot is one that may be a bit more realistic.
Yes, the Warriors could go on a nice stretch of wins during these last few weeks, but at the same time, teams like San Antonio, Memphis, and Portland know the importance of these last few weeks as well. All teams will have their targets set on improving their seeding.
While injuries will play a part, Damian Lillard is back, Ja Morant is healthy and DeMar DeRozan is still playing at a high level. Combine all that along with Stephen Curry’s recent play, and there may not be much losing within this group.
Assuming the Warriors finish at No. 9, they should want to take on the Spurs in the first round.
They’d at least get a team without a superstar. Although the Spurs have the ninth-best defensive rating in the NBA, Curry’s dominance can help the Dubs score. They should want to play a team without a Morant-like star.
San Antonio is no joke, but a 9-10 matchup of the Spurs and Warriors should be a favorable matchup for Golden State and one that could propel them to taking on the loser of what would likely be the Mavs or Blazers against the Grizzlies matchup.