Analyzing each Golden State Warriors potential play-in opponent

What is the best outcome?

Regardless of matchup, two things will be king: health and seeding. If the Dubs or their opponents are limping into the game or missing key players, everything changes. As I was writing this article, news broke that Zion Williamson fractured his pinkie, so case in point.

Being the 8 seed over the 9 seed gives you a 100% better chance of moving on to the next round. Once you know what’s at stake and who will and will not be on the floor, then the matchups come into play. As long as the Warriors can secure the 8 seed, whoever waits on the end of both games is largely irrelevant. All it takes is one win.

Every night down the stretch involves multiple games that have great effect on these matchups, and every night means players are becoming healthier or moving closer to injury.  Heck, the whole entire landscape could change tonight if Portland beats LA, or vice versa.

Embrace the chaos of the next two weeks as every team, player and coach puts their chips on the table for one winner-take-all tournament. And this is only the prelude to a loaded Western Conference playoff picture.

As the great Terrell Owens said, get your popcorn ready.