NBA Playoff Picture: Lakers Win Troubles Warriors’ Escape Plan As League Heads Down To The Wire

Just when the fans expected another showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers, the purple and gold catapulted to the 8th spot in the conference. The Lakers utilized last night’s game against the under-manned Memphis Grizzlies, leaping ahead of the Sacramento Kings. As for the Warriors, they faced the 6th-seeded Pelicans, falling in a thrilling 109-114 game that saw Stephen Curry post 16 fourth-quarter points.

With that, the Golden State Warriors yet again fall to the 10th spot in the conference, with their playoff chances altered. Warriors see their new rivals, the Sacramento Kings, sandwiched between them and the Lakers for the 9th spot.

Now, The Warriors’ fate depends heavily on the how Lakers and the Kings will finish off their season. If the Lakers win their coming contest against the Pelicans, Warriors will be locked against the Kings for the play-ins: fans will see an extension of last season’s Warriors-Kings series.

Moreover, another story line would follow if Sacramento manages a win against the Portland Trail Blazers in their last regulation game. The Kings will have a home-court advantage in the play-in against Stephen Curry’s squad for their attempt at last season’s redemption.

Outside their play-in struggle, the Warriors are said to hold their own against every team in the Western Conference, apart from the Nuggets. As the Warriors lose control of their playoff fate even more, it seems like they could face the Nuggets earlier than they anticipated. However, when looking at finer aspects of the Warriors season record, it is still soon to devoid them of all hope.

Warriors, Sacramento and Lakers can end up in a tie

The Western conference remains competitive till the las moment. Teams like Los Angeles Clippers are being waiting to win the final regulation game to clinch a playoff spot. With that, the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves remain in a 56-25 stalemate as of now; looking for the top spot.

Now, if the Lakers and Sacramento lose their coming games, it would create the three-way Spider-Man situation at the bottom end as well. The Lakers have a 2-1 season record over the Pelicans while the Blazers are last in the West. With that, the chances a three-team tie is dim. However, the Warriors could end up facing the Lakers if the situation poses itself.

Golden State has a 3-1 record against Lakers, while the Kings have a 4-0 advantage, shooting Lakers back to the 10th spot. Moreover, since the Warriors have 2-2 record against the Kings, a tiebreaker advantage comes through a divisional record; which propels Sacramento to the top of the three teams. This leaves Warriors at the 9th spot, heading towards another Stephen Curry vs LeBron James matchup.