WARRIORSTALK

Three X-Factors That Are Vital to a Warriors Win Over the Lakers

It’s safe to say that everyone wins as fans tune in to the Warriors vs Lakers play-in matchup. In all honesty, it’s the only play in-game worth watching. It’s two worthy defenses going at it. It’s two household franchises going head to head. And most importantly, it’s two of the biggest brands meeting once again in the postseason: Stephen Curry vs LeBron James.

As Lakers Keep Scuffling, the Bay vs. LA Could Go Down 

LeBron James thinks the play-in for the NBA playoffs is a bad idea. Which is odd, because in March 2020, James thought having the 7-11 seeds duke it out late in the regular season was a good idea.

So why the sudden change of heart?

Well, his Lakers currently find themselves at No. 5 in the Western Conference, with just a game separating them from the No. 7 seed Portland Trailblazers. Los Angeles went 7-13 in the 17-time All Star’s 20-game absence because of an ankle injury, and lost to Sacramento and Toronto in two contests with James before a reaggravation of his ankle has him sidelined for at least the next pair of games.

A Look at the Four Current Play-In Tournament Candidates

From the current fifth-seeded Lakers and beyond, the Western Conference’s playoff race is pretty tight. Only 5.5 games separate the Lakers and the 10th-seeded Warriors, but, let’s be honest, it’s extremely unlikely that Golden State jumps the three teams in front of them, ends the season as the 6-seed and gets themselves out of the play-in tournament.

FeatureBen StrawnMay 1, 2021nba, golden state warriors, warriors, play-in, play-in tournamentComment

Play-In Incoming for Tied-for-Ninth Warriors

After their 117-113 victory against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, the Warriors stand tied for ninth in the Western Conference with a 31-30 record. In most seasons, this would mean Golden State is on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. This season, however, an added wrinkle to the postseason is coming to the Warriors’ aid – the ninth and 10th seeds in each conference will play one game for a chance to take on the loser of a game between the seventh and eighth seeds, with the winner of that second contest securing a first round series against the No. 1 seed.

And with the May 18 start to the Play-In Tournament quickly approaching, let’s take a look at which teams, based on the current seeding, could be in the mix in the first-of-its-kind competition.