The Golden State Warriors have spent weeks stuck at the ninth or tenth spot in the Western Conference, frantically trying to climb above their opponents in the standings.
Even though the Warriors needed two wins to eventually qualify for the playoffs, it was expected that they would at least advance to the Play-In Tournament in the worst case scenario. With just 13 games left in their season, their hold on the tenth spot is now extremely tenuous.
The Golden State Warriors are edging closer to further embarrassment as the Houston Rockets close in on the tenth-seed in the West.
With yet another dismal home loss to the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, Golden State’s season took a further turn for the worst, dropping the team to a 3-5 record over their previous eight games. The Houston Rockets’ 147-119 thrashing of the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center on Saturday dealt them yet another blow. Rising center Alperun Sengun may have suffered a season-ending injury, but the Rockets have won eight straight games to get back into the Play-In race.
Houston is now only one and a half games behind Golden State for the tenth spot, seriously challenging the once-certain top 10 ranking. Without a doubt, not even qualifying for the Play-In Tournament would be a complete and utter disaster and shame.
But from the viewpoint of the fans, would it be preferable if the Warriors didn’t participate in the Play-In Tournament at all? It might be preferable in the long run if it turns out to be the driving force behind major offseason changes. Golden State would need to win two away Play-In games in order to move up to tenth place, which is unlikely to happen. They are 1.5 games behind the Lakers in ninth place, and a spot in the top eight suddenly seems improbable.
The Rockets’ remaining schedule is more challenging; it includes two matchups with the Dallas Mavericks, who are still vying for a spot in the top eight, if not the top six.
The outcome of their matchup in Houston on April 4 will probably have a significant influence on both the Rockets’ and Warriors’ futures. The Mavericks are the opponents in two of the Warriors’ remaining games.
