{"id":184521,"date":"2026-03-29T17:41:49","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T21:41:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=184521"},"modified":"2026-03-29T17:41:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T21:41:49","slug":"warriors-face-grueling-stretch-as-play-in-battle-heats-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/03\/29\/warriors-face-grueling-stretch-as-play-in-battle-heats-up\/","title":{"rendered":"Warriors Face Grueling Stretch As Play-In Battle Heats Up"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Golden State Warriors face a grueling final stretch of games as they look to build momentum ahead of the Western Conference play-ins. Sitting 10th in the West, Golden State has secured a play-in spot, but their 0-3 record in previous play-in games underlines the challenge ahead. With eight crucial games remaining, the Warriors will be aiming for more than just to survive the play-ins. They want to climb the standings for a more secure playoff position. With injuries having derailed much of their season<\/a>, has time officially run out to turn everything around?<\/p>\n

Warriors Face Grueling Stretch As Play-In Battle Heats Up<\/h2>\n

A Grueling Final Stretch<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Despite a three-game winning streak, the Warriors have yet to look convincing heading into the final eight games. Their remaining schedule includes five teams currently ranked within the top six seeds across both conferences. Specifically, those teams are the Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs,\u00a0 Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers. With tough matchups approaching, the challenge is real for the Dubs to step up.<\/span><\/div>\n
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Adding to this difficulty, Stephen Curry<\/a> is still not medically cleared to return. He could remain sidelined until next week. Curry has missed 24 consecutive games due to a right knee injury. However, the Golden State star has begun on-court drills and workouts. Head Coach Steve Kerr is waiting for the right moment to bring him back<\/a>. However, with time running out, a solid playoff position now looks far from certain for the seven-time champions.<\/span><\/div>\n
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Steve Kerr on the dwindling runway for Steph Curry to properly return and if there\u2019s a deadline to come back:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt hasn’t changed, but it’s actually a conversation now, right?\u2026 We’re not bringing him back just for the play in game, he needs to play some games.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/rMbQVdjdlz<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n