Blazers Eye Playoff Spot Amid Warriors’ Injury Woes
The Portland Trail Blazers are resting after a road victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome. They have a day off before hosting the New Orleans Pelicans.
Portland will monitor the San Antonio Spurs versus Golden State Warriors game closely. Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs visit a Warriors team missing Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler due to knee injuries.
Standings and records
The Warriors sit at 36-39 through 75 games. The Blazers are 39-38 through 77 games.
The Warriors are two games behind Portland. Portland has played two more games than Golden State.
Why this game matters for Portland
The Blazers are focused on securing a playoff spot. Warriors injury woes make this stretch crucial for Portland.
San Antonio brings momentum. The Spurs have won nine straight games.
Play-in implications
The NBA play-in format gives the seventh seed a direct playoff berth. The eighth seed also gets two chances to qualify.
The eighth-placed team plays the seventh. The defeated team then faces the 9-10 winner for the final spot.
Portland prefers to finish eighth to preserve home court and have two chances. The Blazers hold the season tiebreaker over Golden State after winning three of four meetings.
Other standings notes
- The Los Angeles Clippers currently sit half a game ahead of Golden State in the 9-10 picture.
- Any Warriors loss between now and season end helps Portland’s position.
Viewing information
The Spurs-Warriors tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT. Fans can watch on ESPN or stream via the ESPN app.
Photo shows Portland center Yang Hansen and Golden State center Quinten Post. Image credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images.
Coverage and analysis by Filmogaz.com.
