Potential play-in opponent: Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs, who are white-hot and have a cakewalk schedule to boot down the stretch, are unlikely to slip to the 7 seed. They’re two games up on the field to stay out of the extra tourney.
Considering how they also tend to blow out this current iteration of the Warriors, that seems like a blessing.
When playing in the 7-8, you want at least a puncher’s chance of avoiding that second potential loss. Dallas at full, or even half strength, presents the most difficult matchup at the moment.
Avoiding that matchup bodes very well for the Dubs, and considering the Mavs have games down the stretch against New Orleans and Memphis, a continuation of their hot streak seems beneficial for both parties.