The NBA season is far from over, and the Golden State Warriors still have a path forward, and Stephen Curry recently detailed what the side actually needs to work on.

Speaking after practice on April 4, Curry dropped a direct assessment of the team's future. The veteran point guard made his immediate focus clear. 

"This season, hopefully winning two play-in games," Curry said. "And then we have another conversation." He noted the team has four or five games left to build momentum, acknowledging the weird reality that winning or losing these final regular-season games doesn't change their standings.

The Warriors are locked into the lower play-in range, with no chance to secure a guaranteed playoff spot. The only immediate goal is to survive the tournament. 

Golden State sits at 36-41, holding the 10th spot in the Western Conference. They have exactly five games remaining on the schedule, and they have secured a play-in spot. 

The biggest turning point for this final push is Curry's own health. He is finally expected to return to the court against the Rockets. Head coach Steve Kerr has stated clearly that any postseason push relies completely on Curry’s return.

But belief alone will not win basketball games. The actual road to the playoffs would need perfect execution. 

A Tough Playoff Road for the Warriors with Little Margin for Error

As the 10th seed, they need to win two consecutive games just to qualify for the playoffs. Their first test will be an elimination game against the 9th seed.

If they survive that, they have to play the loser of the matchup between the 7th and 8th seeds. If they lose any one game, their season will officially end.

They will likely face either the Los Angeles Clippers or the Portland Trail Blazers. Curry himself noted they must be ready "whether it’s Portland or the Clippers." 

If they manage to clear the first test, they would then face a quick turnaround against the loser of the seven-eight game. The Phoenix Suns are lurking in that bracket. 

Even if they manage to sneak into the eighth seed, the team would most probably open the first round against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder hold a dominant 61-16 record and the top seed in the conference.

Do you think the Warriors can win two play-in games to make the playoffs?

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Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Souvik Roy