The Warriors could feel some extra motivation to get a top-four seed in the Western Conference. Aside from homecourt advantage, hosting the first two games of the playoffs would also eliminate a potential travel day for Steph Curry, who could return for the first round as he rehabs sprained ligaments in his left foot.
Golden State is feeling good after snapping out of a four-game skid with back-to-back wins this weekend. Following Sunday's 109-90 victory over the Sacramento Kings, Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters how a high seed could benefit his injured superstar.
Curry has remained in San Francisco rehabbing while the Warriors have been on the road. They host the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday before closing out the season with a weekend road back-to-back against the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans. From there, the Warriors will have five or six off-days before the first round begins on April 16 or April 17. Curry will be re-evaluated next Monday.
“It’ll be a big week,” Kerr said. “We’ll see how it all goes for Steph, but having a week or so, if he’s able to get on the floor and we can put together three or four really good practices as we prepare, it’d be nice to be able to do that and play two home games. We’d have a really good stretch at home, good preparation. We’ve got to ensure that by winning at least another game.”
The No. 3 seed Warriors (50-29) need to win one more game or the No. 5 seed Denver Nuggets (47-32) need to lose one more contest in order for Golden State to secure a top-four finish.
“Our work isn’t done yet but that’s the goal at this point,” Kerr said. “That stuff matters. We’re very confident we can win on the road, too, but I’ve always felt like having that extra home game is always a big deal.”
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On the flipside, Green said he doesn’t care much about a top-four finish.
“Whether you’re a three seed or a six seed – the way I look at it – the three seed you still gotta win a road game,” Green said. “Because no one’s trying to go to Game 7. You know how those go, it’s a coin flip. So you still gotta win a road game.”
Draymond looks like he’s getting back into game condition and he said the game is starting to click again. His impact is felt on defense, as the 14-point Kings first-quarter effort Sunday would attest. Adding Curry to the offense with Jordan Poole, who has been absolute dynamite over the past few weeks, and the Warriors would be a gnarly first-round draw for any team.
There’s still going to be some jostling among the middle of the pack, but the Warriors are currently slated to play the No. 6 seed Utah Jazz (46-31) in the first round. The No. 7 seed Minnesota Timberwolves (45-34) have an outside shot at finishing in the top six.
The No. 4 seed Dallas Mavericks (49-30) are lurking a game behind the Warriors, who have no chance of catching the Memphis Grizzlies (55-23) for the No. 2 seed.
