The Golden State Warriors’ playoff hopes are in jeopardy. Their recent 114-111 home defeat against a weakened San Antonio Spurs team puts significant pressure on their hold of the Western Conference’s No. 6 seed, where they currently stand with a 47-33 record.
What made it worse? The NBA later admitted to several critical officiating mistakes in the final two minutes, errors that favored the Warriors, according to SI.
Missed out-of-bounds calls, an uncalled offensive foul on Draymond Green, and a missed foul on Green during a layup attempt all slipped through the cracks. Despite the help, Golden State still couldn’t capitalize, falling to Harrison Barnes’ buzzer-beating dagger.
To avoid the play-in tournament, the Warriors must win against the Trail Blazers in Portland this Friday night. This crucial game will significantly improve their chances of securing a top-five spot in the Western Conference.
Back at it tomorrow@Oracle || Warriors Talk pic.twitter.com/lN9NZtknvD
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 11, 2025
Golden State has already defeated Portland twice this season with decisive victories, averaging 135 points in those games. However, the team needs to bounce back from their recent loss and navigate current player injuries.
Quinten Post (illness) and Gary Payton II (knee) are questionable. If Post sits, expect more minutes for Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kevon Looney. If Payton can’t go, Gui Santos, Moses Moody, and Buddy Hield could see expanded roles.
The Warriors also bring a five-game road win streak into Friday’s showdown. Meanwhile, Portland has dropped six of its last ten. Tip-off is set for 10:00 p.m. EST.
Portland here we come@united || ✈️ pic.twitter.com/uUMRClpBjc
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) April 10, 2025
Western Conference Playoff race heats up with two games left as Warriors set to face Blazers
The Western Conference playoff race is coming down to the wire. With two games left in the regular season, the battle for seeding is tighter than ever.
Only one game separates the No. 4 Denver Nuggets from the No. 8 Minnesota Timberwolves. That logjam is turning the final stretch into a high-stakes sprint. Minnesota kept its hopes alive with a 141–125 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, led by Anthony Edwards’ explosive 44-point outing.
Both teams now sit at 47–33, but tiebreakers pushed the Timberwolves down to the No. 8 spot while dropping the Grizzlies to No. 7. The Golden State Warriors jumped to No. 6, owning tiebreakers over both.
Every remaining game matters. The Warriors will face the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Timberwolves take on the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have a tough road ahead with games against Denver and Dallas.
If the season ended Thursday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets would lock in the top two seeds. The Los Angeles Lakers, sitting third, would meet the Warriors in the opening round. Denver would clash with the Clippers in a compelling 4-vs.-5 showdown.
The Kings and Mavericks round out the play-in positions at ninth and tenth, adding more intrigue to a wild Western finish.
READ: Draymond Green to Channel the Fire Without Letting It Burn the Warriors
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
