On Sunday, the Golden State Warriors will host the Los Angeles Clippers in the last game of the season. The Western Conference playoff picture is far from settled, and this contest will have massive ramifications.
With a win, the Warriors will remain the sixth seed, narrowly avoiding the Play-In Tournament and setting themselves up for a matchup in the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers. If the Warriors lose, they could slide to the seventh seed behind the Minnesota Timberwolves and have to battle their way through the Play-In Tournament.
Before tipoff, Steve Kerr provided a crucial Stephen Curry update.
Curry remains the best player on the Warriors and the best shooter in the league, and in a must-win game, his presence is alsmot required. However, he is dealing with a thumb sprain.
Kerr clarified that the plan is for Curry to play.
"Steph’s been dealing with this all season," said Kerr, as transcribed by The Athletic's Anthony Slater. "He’s doing OK. I think he will be fine.”
Curry is the only Warriors listed on the injury report, with a "questionable" designation. With a win, the Clippers could pass Denver for the fourth seed and hold home-court advantage in the first round, so they are also playing in full force.
Only Patty Mills and Nicolas Batum are out for LA.
Tipoff is scheduled for 12:30 PM EST on ESPN, and the Warriors are four-point favorites in the must-win game, although the injury to Curry's shooting hand can't be overlooked.
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