The race for the playoffs in the Western Conference has become tighter as the regular season draws to a close. The Golden State Warriors, who were once comfortably seated in a higher playoff seed, are now fighting to avoid falling into the play-in tournament.
Disappointing loss to Timberwolves halts winning momentum
The Warriors suffered a disappointing loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves recently, halting their two-game winning streak. This loss not only hurts their playoff positioning but puts their current standing in jeopardy. Currently, the Warriors stand in 8th place with a win-loss record of 33-33.
Playoff standings uncertain, only four games separate fourth seed and missing playoffs
With only six games remaining on their schedule, the Warriors will need to step up their game if they want to hold onto a higher playoff seed. The standings in the Western Conference are still very uncertain, with only four games separating the fourth seed and missing the playoffs entirely.
Seven other teams fighting for playoff positioning
The Warriors face stiff competition from seven other teams vying for playoff positioning – Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Dallas Mavericks. These teams are all fighting hard and could challenge any team if they get their momentum going.
Suns are favorites for 4th place
The Phoenix Suns are currently considered favorites to finish in fourth place and own the tiebreaker with the Warriors due to their better head-to-head record. They also have a more favorable schedule ahead compared to other teams.
Clippers in relatively good shape but with tough schedule ahead
The Los Angeles Clippers are currently in relatively good shape but will face a tough schedule ahead as they push for a higher playoff seed.
Timberwolves have a chance to challenge any team
The Minnesota Timberwolves, who are tied with the Warriors in their head-to-head record and leading in conference play, have a chance to challenge any team if they can click.
Pelicans lead season series with Warriors but may lose tiebreaker
The New Orleans Pelicans, who would have likely escaped the grouping if they were healthy, are still in the mix. They currently lead the season series with the Warriors but may lose the tiebreaker based on conference play.
Lakers making a run and won season series against Warriors
The Los Angeles Lakers, who have been making a run lately and won the season series against the Warriors, cannot be overlooked.
Thunder surprise this season and could challenge Warriors
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been a surprise this season, and their performance could potentially challenge that of the Warriors for playoff positioning.
Mavericks struggling amidst tough schedule
The Dallas Mavericks are struggling amidst a rough patch, losing four consecutive games ahead of them facing a tough end-of-season schedule.
Jazz barely holding on
The Utah Jazz began the season strongly but are now only just holding onto their playoff spot with a challenging schedule ahead.
Warriors’ playoffs chances depend on their performance in remaining games
It is evident that the Warriors’ playoffs chances will heavily depend on their performance in these remaining six games. The matchups against rivals such as the Pelicans, Thunder and Blazers will determine if they can secure higher playoff seeding or fall into risk of playing in the play-in tournament. With a mix of tough and winnable games left for the warriors, time will tell where they end up come playoff time.
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