The Golden State Warriors experienced a tumultuous week, playing three games with unpredictable outcomes. Their most straightforward game occurred on Monday against the Denver Nuggets, who were missing key players Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Christian Braun, yet the Warriors suffered a loss in a game that lacked competitiveness. The Warriors faced their biggest challenge on Tuesday against a fully healthy Milwaukee Bucks team while resting Steph Curry; surprisingly, they secured a victory in that matchup by a considerable margin. They concluded the week on Thursday with a narrow win over the struggling Toronto Raptors, but it came at a cost, as they lost Steph Curry to a pelvic contusion.
Despite the mixed results, the Warriors finished the week with a 2-1 record, gaining some distance from the play-in tournament; however, they still need to remain vigilant.
This week, we also say farewell to the Houston Rockets, who are four games ahead of the Warriors with only 12 games remaining. While it is still feasible for Golden State to overtake Houston, that goal can be addressed when it becomes more realistic. Here’s a recap of last week’s actions for the teams the Warriors—currently in the sixth seed—are pursuing and fending off, along with a preview for each.
No. 8 — Minnesota Timberwolves (40-31)
The Timberwolves provided some unexpected assistance to the Warriors this week. Minnesota started the week hot on the Warriors’ heels, tying them in games played with an eight-game winning streak. The pressure was on for Golden State not to falter, but the Timberwolves ended up faltering even worse, losing to an Indiana Pacers team missing Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner. This was followed by a loss to the lowly New Orleans Pelicans at home, which means they now sit a game-and-a-half behind the Warriors, who have secured the tiebreaker. Minnesota has an easy game ahead, seeking redemption against the Pelicans.
Next game: Friday vs. the Pelicans
No. 7 — LA Clippers (39-30)
After the Clippers fell from the sixth seed, it appeared they were destined for the play-in tournament due to their slump. However, they have bounced back, showcasing an impressive performance by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers by 13 points. This marks a four-game winning streak and seven wins in their last eight games. The Clippers now trail the Warriors by only a game-and-a-half and have the crucial tiebreaker.
This weekend will be demanding for the Clippers, and Warriors fans might feel conflicted about whom to support in the upcoming matchups.
Next games: Friday vs. the Grizzlies, Sunday vs. the Thunder
No. 5 — Memphis Grizzlies (43-27)
The Grizzlies are holding up well, with a two-game lead over the Warriors and 12 games left to play. However, their recent performance raises concerns as they demonstrated poor play: beginning a five-game road trip, they lost to the Sacramento Kings by 10 and then to the Portland Trail Blazers by 16. The Warriors will face the Grizzlies on April 1, which presents an opportunity for Golden State to close the gap and possibly win the tiebreaker.
Next game: Friday at the Clippers
No. 4 — Los Angeles Lakers (43-26)
The Warriors still have a challenging task ahead in trying to catch the Lakers. They currently trail by two and a half games and do not hold the tiebreaker. The injury-plagued Lakers have found their rhythm this week, defeating the San Antonio Spurs and the Nuggets, although they stumbled against the Bucks, halting their three-game winning streak. The health status of LeBron James and Luka Dončić could be pivotal in determining the outcome of this race.
Next game: Saturday vs. the Bulls
No. 3 — Denver Nuggets (44-26)
The Warriors could have benefited from a win against the weakened Nuggets, but it didn’t happen. Nevertheless, there is a possibility of overtaking Denver, as there are three games separating them, and the Nuggets have only been playing at a .500 level recently. Denver holds the tiebreaker from their victory earlier this week, so the Warriors need the Nuggets to struggle in their upcoming games, which is plausible considering Jokić is not fully healthy. Currently, the Nuggets continue to alternate between wins and losses, most recently beating the Warriors before losing to the Lakers.
Next games: Friday at the Blazers, Sunday at the Rockets
For the Warriors, they have just one game this weekend as they begin a crucial six-game road trip against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. They will remain in the sixth seed unless they lose to the Hawks and the Clippers win both of their upcoming challenging games.
Let’s hope that doesn’t occur!
Here are the complete standings in the West:
