The Warriors are aware of their return to the play-in tournament; other teams could follow suit.

The Golden State Warriors will return to the NBA play-in tournament after recent setbacks, with coach Steve Kerr stressing preparation as key. With limited games left, the team aims to secure a playoff spot amid stiff competition in the Western Conference.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that the team will participate in the NBA play-in tournament. With only 13 games remaining in the regular season, a recent defeat in Boston, during which Stephen Curry was sidelined due to a knee injury, has left the Warriors just outside direct playoff qualification. The team currently holds an eight-point lead over the 11th-place team in the Western Conference, keeping them in contention for a spot in the postseason.

Kerr emphasized the need to prepare for the play-in following the 120-99 loss in Boston, stating that the Warriors will be participating and that preparation is essential. The play-in tournament, scheduled from April 14 to April 17, will determine the final playoff teams. The top six seeds in each conference automatically advance to the playoffs, while teams ranked seventh through tenth compete in the play-in to claim the remaining two playoff positions.

Play-In Tournament Format

The NBA play-in tournament, implemented in 2021, follows a structured format in both conferences. The seventh and eighth seeds face each other, with the winner securing the seventh seed in the playoffs. The loser of this matchup plays against the winner of the game between the ninth and tenth seeds. The victor of this second game earns the eighth and final playoff spot, while the losers of both games are eliminated from postseason contention.

Kerr commented on the Warriors’ current standing, noting that although the team had aimed for the sixth seed, recent results have left them on a different path. Successive wins are required to secure a position among the elite, with the play-in offering two opportunities to reach the playoffs. The Warriors’ season has been marked by challenges, including a series of defeats that have dropped them to the tenth position in the Western Conference, despite holding the eighth spot for much of the season.

The return of key players is anticipated. Stephen Curry has begun showing progress after his knee issues, and the team expects the eventual return of Al Horford and Moses Moody. Injuries have impacted other teams as well, including the loss of Jimmy Butler for the season, highlighting the importance of building a disciplined and resilient foundation capable of integrating returning players.

Western Conference Playoff Race

The competition for playoff berths in the Western Conference has solidified. Teams currently in contention for play-in positions include the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Golden State Warriors. While final standings remain uncertain, these teams are focused on surviving the initial play-in rounds to secure a chance at advancing in the playoffs. The Warriors, entering the play-in for the third consecutive year, join the Suns, Clippers, and Trail Blazers in a tightly contested battle for postseason positioning.

Eastern Conference Play-In Outlook

In the Eastern Conference, teams competing for play-in positions include the Philadelphia 76ers, the Charlotte Hornets, and the Miami Heat. The Atlanta Hawks have consistently reached the play-in over the past four seasons. Charlotte last participated in 2022, while Philadelphia made its most recent appearance in 2024. These teams are preparing for crucial matchups to determine final playoff entries as the regular season concludes.

The Golden State Warriors now face a critical period in which each remaining game and point carries significant weight. Preparation and strategic planning are essential as they aim to capitalize on opportunities presented by the play-in tournament and secure a place in the NBA playoffs.

Sources:

• ESPN
• The Athletic
• NBA.com
• The Warriors know they're headed back to the play-in tournament; other teams might think the same