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Golden State Warriors: State of play and every possible result with two games to go

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 18, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 18: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 18, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors have two games remaining in their regular season, as do their rivals that are battling to secure a playoff spot. A win over the Oklahoma City Thunder has put destiny back in the hands of the defending champions, but there’s still a raft of results possible as we enter the final few days.

In Thursday’s results, the Los Angeles Clippers joined the Warriors at 42-38 with a win over the now 41-39 Lakers. The New Orleans Pelicans came from a double-digit deficit, nearly botched the game late, but eventually got over the Memphis Grizzlies in overtime to also move to 41-39.

The Golden State Warriors can still finish anywhere between fifth and ninth as the Western Conference comes down to the wire with two games to play.

The Warriors are currently battling with both Los Angeles teams, the Pelicans, and to a lesser extent the Minnesota Timberwolves. Let’s take a look at the remaining schedule for all five teams and what each result would mean for Golden State.

Clippers – Trail Blazers, @ Suns

Warriors – @ Kings, @ Trail Blazers

Lakers – Suns, Jazz

Pelicans – Knicks, @Timberwolves

Timberwolves – @ Spurs, Pelicans

If they win both games:

The Warriors will secure a top six spot in the West with two wins, meaning they’ll avoid the dreaded Play-In tournament. If the Clippers lose at least one of their two games, Golden State will finish fifth and meet the Phoenix Suns, otherwise they’ll finish sixth and take on the Sacramento Kings.

If they win one game:

The Warriors could finish anywhere between fifth and eighth with one win. Either way they’d need the Lakers and Pelicans to lose at least one of their last two to earn a top six spot. They could theoretically also earn that finish if the Clippers lose both their games, although that’s unlikely given their next matchup is at home against the Portland Trail Blazers.

If the Clippers win at least one game, and the Lakers and Pelicans win both games, then Golden State would drop to eighth. If the Clippers win at least one game, and one of the Lakers/Pelicans win both games, the Dubs would finish seventh and host a play-in game.

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If they lose both games:

The only way the Warriors could retain sixth is if the Lakers and Pelicans also lose both games, and the Timberwolves lose at least one game. The most likely scenario in this situation is they finish eighth, although they could also finish ninth if the Lakers win at least one game, the Pelicans beat the Knicks, and if the Timberwolves beat the Spurs and then the Pelicans.

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