Checking in on the standings after the weekend.
Things were looking good for the Golden State Warriors when I updated the Western Conference standings on Friday. Things still look good, but it was a disappointing weekend for the Dubs. They dropped their lone game, a Saturday contest against the Philadelphia 76ers, and it cost them a chance to take possession of the sixth seed.
Instead, they stayed in the seventh seed, by virtue of losing a tiebreaker to the current sixth seed, the LA Clippers. Perhaps this bring will bring about a jump forward … we can hope!
Here’s how the week went down for the teams that the Warriors are fighting against in the standings.
No. 11 — Phoenix Suns (28-33)
The Suns finally got back in the win column by beating the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, but they got handily beat by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. They haven’t won consecutive games since January, and they’re just 4-12 over their last 16 games. They’re four games outside of the play-in tournament, and four-and-a-half games behind the Warriors.
Next games up: Tuesday vs. the Clippers
No. 10 — Dallas Mavericks (32-29)
Dallas moved back a spot over the weekend after losing their lone game, a Saturday contest at home against the Milwaukee Bucks. It’s hard to get a feel for them until Anthony Davis returns. Even though it feels like they’re fading, they’re only a half-game behind the Warriors.
Next games up: Monday vs. the Kings, Wednesday at the Bucks
No. 9 — Sacramento Kings (31-28)
Sacramento moved up to the ninth seed, though it’s fair to wonder how long that will last. Their schedule is about to get brutal, but they are clicking a little: their lone game this weekend was an impressive 10-point road win over the Houston Rockets, giving them a three-game winning streak. They remain just a half-game behind the Warriors.
Next games up: Monday at the Mavericks, Wednesday at the Nuggets
No. 8 — Minnesota Timberwolves (33-29)
The Wolves are technically no games ahead of or behind the Warriors, but they have a slightly worse winning percentage, having played two more games than Golden State. They split their weekend games, with a one-point loss to the Utah Jazz (in which Anthony Edwards didn’t play due to suspension) and a blowout win over the Suns. They have a very easy week ahead of them, so the Warriors will likely need to keep winning to stay ahead of Minnesota.
Next games up: Tuesday vs. the 76ers, Wednesday at the Hornets
No. 6 — LA Clippers (32-28)
The Clippers are clinging to the sixth seed, and the final guaranteed playoff spot, but they are leaking oil in a big way. They’ve lost five of six games since the All-Star break, and spent the weekend having it made clear where they sit in the Southern California hierarchy, losing twice to the Los Angeles Lakers. They remain ahead of the Warriors due to a tiebreaker, but right now it would be very surprising if LA were able to avoid the play-in tournament.
Next games up: Tuesday at the Suns, Wednesday vs. the Pistons
As for the Warriors, they have a busy week. They finish off their five-game road trip by visiting the Charlotte Hornets tonight, the New York Knicks on Tuesday, and the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.
Here’s a full look at the standings.
ESPN