The Warriors know they’re headed back to the play-in tournament; other teams might think the same
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is well aware of the team’s current standing in the NBA playoffs race. With 13 games left in the regular season, the Warriors find themselves 8 1/2 games behind the sixth seed in the Western Conference, effectively putting them in play-in tournament territory. Despite being out of contention for a guaranteed playoff spot, Kerr understands that the play-in tournament is inevitable for his team.
Following a recent loss to the Boston Celtics, where star player Stephen Curry was sidelined due to a knee issue, Kerr emphasized the importance of preparing for the play-in tournament. The regular season is set to conclude on April 12, with the top six teams from each conference securing playoff berths and the bottom five teams being eliminated.
The play-in tournament, which will take place from April 14 to April 17, will feature teams finishing seventh through tenth in each conference. The format includes matchups between the seventh and eighth seeds, as well as the ninth and tenth seeds, with the winners advancing to face higher seeds in the playoffs.
Despite the Warriors’ recent struggles and Curry’s absence, there is optimism surrounding his potential return to the lineup. Alongside Curry, players like Al Horford and Moses Moody are expected to make a comeback from injuries, providing a much-needed boost to the team’s roster.
As the Warriors aim to secure a spot in the play-in tournament, Kerr stresses the importance of building good habits and fundamentals to complement their firepower. With key players set to return, Kerr believes that being prepared for their comeback is crucial for the team’s success.
In the Western Conference, teams like the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Portland Trail Blazers are also in play-in tournament contention. While nothing is set in stone, it is likely that these teams, along with the Warriors, will be competing for playoff spots in the play-in tournament.
In the Eastern Conference, teams like the Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Charlotte Hornets are currently in play-in position. With the playoffs still within reach for these teams, the race for seeding in the East remains competitive.
As the regular season winds down, the Warriors and other teams in play-in contention are gearing up for a competitive postseason push. With the play-in tournament becoming a familiar territory for some teams, including the Warriors, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the NBA season.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
