Before the Golden State Warriors can officially turn their attention to the Play-In Tournament and eventually the NBA Playoffs, they must first ensure they win these next few games.
The NBA Playoffs are nearly here. But first, the Golden State Warriors need to take care of business and handle these must-win games.
Although the Orlando Bubble feels like it was only a few weeks ago, we are already bracing for another round of playoff basketball. For the Warriors, this could mark their first return to the postseason since the 2019 NBA Finals.
However, before we can celebrate the return of Warriors playoff basketball, there’s some business they need to handle.
First and foremost, the Warriors need to perform in their upcoming three games against the New Orleans Pelicans. With fewer than four games separating the two, it is crucial the Dubs win this series and fend off the Pelicans from stealing their spot in the Play-In.
This will be easier said than done. Zion Williamson has been a bull in a China shop latley, averaging 30.1 points on 61.3 percent shooting over his last 15 games. Finding a way to stop Zion from attacking the paint with no real rim protector will be difficult. Thankfully, Draymond Green is a sound defender with plenty of strength to go toe-to-toe with Williamson — he just won’t be meeting him above the rim anytime soon.
As for the rest of the Warriors’ schedule, games against the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder are all must-wins too — that is if the Warriors want to boost their place in the standings and raise their chances of reaching the playoffs.
Finally, the Dubs will look to win their last game of the season against the Memphis Grizzlies. The two are within a game of each other so the results of this match could very well determine their final position in the Play-In.
Fortunately, even in spite of their recent loss to Dallas, the Warriors have reason to feel confident heading into the final weeks of the season. They rank third in Net Rating during their last 10 games and hold the fourth-best record in the league since then.
By finishing the season strong, the Warriors will comfortably enter the Play-In Tournament with a chance to go back to the playoffs once again.