Stephen Curry is eyeing his fifth NBA championship this season but is also fighting for home-court advantage in the playoffs. The Golden State Warriors are locked in a battle they can win—but one that could also see them drop out of the playoff bracket altogether. What is clear is that Curry and Co. have a tough road ahead.
Stephen Curry Has To Rise Up To Take the Warriors to the Playoffs
The season has entered its final stretch, with only three weeks and a handful of games left before the playoff field is set.
With Curry on the court, the Warriors are 34-26, and it’s no surprise he’ll play a big role in getting them over the line. He’s been strong this season, averaging 24.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. However, Curry’s latest tailbone injury has thrown a wrench into the Warriors’ plans.
Golden State is on a six-game road trip and already lost to the Atlanta Hawks and the Miami Heat without the 11-time NBA All-Star. However, according to NBA insider Shams Charania, things may be turning around for the Warriors.
Stephen Curry is traveling to join the Warriors in Miami, and his status for Tuesday's game against the Heat depends on treatment response for his pelvic bruise over next two days, sources tell ESPN. Golden State is on game two of a six-game trip. https://t.co/SA3Tsrz51A
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)
“Stephen Curry is traveling to join the Warriors in Miami, and his status for Tuesday’s game against the Heat depends on treatment response for his pelvic bruise over next two days, sources tell ESPN. Golden State is on game two of a six-game trip,” Charania reported.
If Curry ends up missing more time, new arrival Jimmy Butler III and veteran Draymond Green will have to step up. Their partnership in these key road games could shape the Warriors’ playoff run.
The Warriors’ Playoff Status After Losing Against the Heat
Without Curry, the Warriors lost to the Heat 112-186 in the 2nd of their six-game road trip. After the loss, Golden State has dropped to the No. 7 seed currently with a 41-31 record. They are equal to the Los Angeles Clippers (No. 6 seed) in games behind but trail on the head-to-head record this season. While they are only 0.5 games ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the No. 8 seed.
There is tight competition around Golden State for a guaranteed playoff spot, but with 10 games left, the Warriors have a chance to climb higher in the standings and potentially have home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Golden State’s playoff outlook will depend much on seeding, but for now, the main goal is avoiding the play-in tournament.
The Warriors’ Playoff Scenario
If the season ended today, the San Francisco team would face the Timberwolves in the play-in tournament for a seat in the playoffs.
The Warriors have won 3 of their previous four meetings with Minnesota. If they fail to capitalize on the remaining games and get a direct playoff berth, fans would consider a play-in game against the Timberwolves in their favor.
