Analyzing each Golden State Warriors potential play-in opponent

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Potential play-in opponent: San Antonio Spurs

If the Warriors are in the 9-10 game against San Antonio, there’s a legitimate chance that it could be the last game Gregg Popovich ever coaches. Privately he might be happy to face one of his coaching disciples in that game, but publicly he’ll want to show why he’s the GOAT on the sidelines.

As the owners of a five-game losing streak, on the wrong end of the tiebreaker and a brutal schedule to boot, things still look tough. Zion Williamson’s injury coupled with a huge win over the Kings keeps them in the driver’s seat for a 10 spot they feel likely to hold. And being the road team doesn’t change much from Pop’s perspective.

The talent certainly favors the Dubs, and Steph would be the best player in that game by a comfortable margin. But Popovich is a master game planner and has the pieces to execute on his plan.

They have depth the Dubs cannot match, and more potential for one unlikely player to go crazy and affect the game.

Still, the odds have stacked against San Antonio all year, and their roster has yet to really cut their teeth in the postseason, save for DeMar DeRozan. You could certainly make the argument for this being the most winnable potential one-game matchup, and I would agree.

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