While the Warriors are far from needing to tank, it certainly wouldn't hurt to lose one game Tuesday.
If Golden State were to take a loss to the Jazz in its matchup at 9 p.m. ET, the Warriors would avoid both Utah and the Thunder in the first round of the playoffs, even if Oklahoma City somehow lost to the Grizzlies in its final game of the season Wednesday.
Here's the scenario: If the Jazz win Tuesday, the farthest they could fall in the playoff standings would be sixth place, and since the Warriors have the No. 2 seed locked up, they would avoid Utah in the first round.
Here is where it gets complicated though. With a Thunder win against the Grizzlies Wednesday they could finish no lower than sixth place either with a Jazz win. Now, if the Thunder lose, it's more confusing.
If Oklahoma City falls to the Grizzlies, the team would finish in eighth place no matter what. You can view all of the updated playoff scenarios here.
So knowing all of that, why would the Warriors want to avoid the Thunder and Jazz in the first round? Because Golden State is a combined 3-4 against Utah and Oklahoma City going into Tuesday's game and the two teams are arguably the most talented and red-hot squads, respectively, in the West.
In contrast, the Warriors are 10-5 against all other possible playoff opponents including the Nuggets, Spurs, Pelicans and Timberwolves. Regular-season records mean nothing in the playoffs, but without Stephen Curry in the opening games of the postseason, it might be a good idea to play the odds.
