Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Golden State Warriors Playoff Scenarios – What Needs To Happen for Stephen Curry and Co. To Avoid the Play-In Tournament?

Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors remain in a vulnerable position, despite a vital win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night. Warriors are currently the 6th seed in the NBA Western Conference with only one game left against the LA Clippers. Nevertheless, their emphatic win against the Trailblazers will give them confidence ahead of their biggest game of the season so far.

🏆 PLAYOFF PICTURE 🏆

▪️ West 4-7 still up for grabs, separated by 1 game
▪️ East 1-10 set for postseason

The final day of the regular season is SUNDAY and the #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google begin April 19! pic.twitter.com/JD1PyoZkKL
— NBA (@NBA) April 12, 2025

Jimmy Butler led the charge for the Golden team with 24 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds with Curry hitting 14/5/5 in his 27 minutes. Despite a soul-crushing loss against the San Antonio Spurs, the Warriors held their head high against Portland. The 103-86 win has kept GSW in 6th place in the Western Conference. However, a playoff berth still remains uncertain with massive changes possible on the last regular-season gameday.

How Can the Warriors Qualify for the Playoffs?

The Golden State Warriors rose from the ashes of mediocrity after acquiring Jimmy Butler early this year. They now look completely different side after the arrival of Butler and are 25-8, running riot in the West. However, the recent few games have also exposed the Warriors’ bench. During the absence of Curry, Draymond Green, and GP2, the Warriors looked fragile.

Kendrick Perkins believes the Warriors would "pop" the Lakers in a first-round playoff series. 👀https://t.co/grbH6SJ0x5
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 11, 2025

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They gave up the chance of being the top seed after their loss against the San Antonio Spurs. Even the loss against the Houston Rockets last week took the momentum out of the energetic side. Nevertheless, the Golden State Warriors can still ensure a top 6 seed by winning it against the LA Clippers on Sunday.

Steve Kerr’s side will play their division rivals at the Chase Center in their last regular-season game. This matchup will not only have ramifications for the two sides facing each other but also for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards’ side is knocking on the doors of the playoffs and is on course to take the position of one among the Clippers or the Warriors.

The Game Against Clippers is a Must-Win Game!

The Golden State Warriors will have to win the match against the LA Clippers on Sunday. It is the only way as they hold their destiny in their hands. They are currently in the 6th position with a record of. 593. Even the Timberwolves have a similar record, but the Warriors remain ahead due to them winning the tiebreaker.

If the Warriors fail to win on Sunday, they will have to rely on the Minnesota Timberwolves for any magic. The Twolves will need to lose in their final clash against the Utah Jazz. The very Utah Jazz, which is placed at the last position in the Western Conference with just 17 seasonal wins so far.

The Dubs nation is not very confident about their team facing the LA Clippers. James Harden’s side has coincidentally always had answers when facing the Warriors. Even in the current season, the LA Clippers have a 3-0 clean sweep record, showcasing dominance over the divisional matchup. However, teams become champions only by shattering the odds that are stacked against them.

And the Warriors, if they want the championship this year, they’ll have to overcome the unthinkable, which starts by beating the Clippers on Sunday.

Also Read: NBA Playoffs: How does the Grizzlies’ defeat help every team in the Western Conference?