The Golden State Warriors have a pivotal matchup on Friday night as they are on the road to face off against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Golden State enters Friday’s contest having won six of their last 10 games but they are coming off a disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday thanks to Harrison Barnes’ game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.
They will now look to bounce back after that disappointing loss against a Trail Blazers team that has dropped six of their last 10 games and will also be extremely shorthanded.
Apr 11, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket during the first half against Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) at Moda Center.
© Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Of course, Friday’s matchup is a massive one for the Warriors as they continue to fight for a better seed in the Western Conference before the regular season ends on Sunday.
Ahead of Friday’s matchup, the NBA announced that the Warriors will clinch a playoff spot with a victory over the Trail Blazers and also losses by both the Memphis Grizzlies and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Golden State sits sixth in the Western Conference standings, thanks to the Grizzlies’ loss to the Timberwolves on Thursday, but they are still in a fight to remain out of the Play-In tournament.
The Warriors are just one game behind the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers for the fourth seed in the West while they are currently tied with the Grizzlies and Timberwolves with the same record.
Because of this, Friday’s game against Portland is a must-win for Golden State after Wednesday’s stunning loss to San Antonio.
Golden State Warriors stars Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry.
© David Gonzales-Imagn Images
The good news for the Warriors is that they will have most of their roster available, of course being led by their superstar trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.
They will have a major health advantage over the Trail Blazers as Portland has ruled out eight players, including multiple players from their starting lineup.
Fans can catch Friday’s game between the Warriors and Trail Blazers at 10:00 p.m. EST.
