The Golden State Warriors' playoff fate hangs in the balance Sunday when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Warriors have experienced peaks and valleys this season. They started the season in first place in the Western Conference and remained there for the first month.
Things quickly slid, finding themselves as low as the No. 12 seed. The Jimmy Butler trade was precisely what the doctor ordered, as they promptly ascended back up the standings.
Golden State has simply looked like a brand new team with Butler in the lineup. They're 23-6 when he plays.
Warriors make statement regarding Stephen Curry
The Warriors will make the playoffs in some regard no matter what happens Sunday.
The Warriors are currently the No. 7 seed, but a win would guarantee them a top-six spot. Perhaps more importantly, they would get to avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament.
The last thing a team with as many veterans as the Warriors needs is to play extra games.
As if the situation needed added drama, The Athletic's Anthony Slater delivered a crucial report regarding Stephen Curry's injury status for Sunday.
"Steph Curry listed as questionable tomorrow vs the Clippers with a thumb sprain. He indicated last night he plans to play," Slater reported.
Curry was forced to exit the game against the Portland Trail Blazers early in the second quarter.
He was able to return to the game soon after.
"It hurts right now, but I'll be alright," said Curry.
With playoff seeding on the line, it would be tough to believe that the Warriors would advise the four-time champion to sit this one out.
If they're able to get the win against the Clippers, the Warriors will have more time to get this injury situated and under control before the NBA Playoffs next weekend.
But if they have to play in the NBA Play-In Tournament, having a version of Curry that's not at his best shooting-wise would be far from ideal.
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