Warriors Face Grueling Stretch As Play-In Battle Heats Up

Play-In History Adds Pressure

With a 0-3 record in play-in games, the Warriors will be eager to secure a stronger position in the standings.

Pressure is building in the Bay, as Golden State faces one of their most difficult seasons in the past decade. The team finished as the ninth seed in both the 2023-24 and 2020-21 seasons. They could be on course for an even lower finish this year. However, it still does not compare to the 2019-20 campaign, when the Dubs finished last in the West with just 15 wins. There are similarities, as Curry was also sidelined for most of that season and only played five games due to injury. Had Curry’s injury come earlier this year, the season could have taken a similarly difficult turn for Dub Nation.

The Warriors are narrowly trailing the Portland Trail Blazers in the standings. Additionally, a final regular-season matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, who currently hold the eighth seed, could become the most important game of their season.

Who Needs To Step Up?

With two-way contract players and role players forced into larger roles over the past few months, the Warriors will need unexpected contributors for a clutch finish to the season. With Moses Moody having had one of his best seasons before suffering a season-ending knee injury, others now need to step up. Brandin Podziemski has begun to show his ability in an expanded role, averaging 21.3 points over the last three games. Meanwhile, Kristaps Porziņģis is starting to finally find his footing in a Warriors jersey, recording a season-high 30 points against the Wizards last week. The regular season is nearing its end, and the Warriors need momentum to secure a more favorable playoff seed. With Curry still out and the postseason projected to be more competitive than ever, Golden State will need their depth to deliver during this grueling stretch if they want any chance of survival.