April 7, 2026, 11:11 p.m. ET
Stephen Curry returned to the court just in time to get back his basketball wind to help lead the Golden State Warriors on a postseason run that begins with the NBA Play-In Tournament beginning April 14.
Curry scored 29 points in 26 minutes, coming off the bench for his brother Seth, who started against the Houston Rockets in their 117-116 loss that ended with the Warriors star missing a 30-foot jumper to win the game.
The Warriors have three games remaining after hosting the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center in San Francisco on April 7. They’ve clinched the NBA Play-In Tournament and will most likely finish the season as a No. 10 seed in the Western Conference standings.
Their fate is likely to set them up on a collision course with the Portland Trail Blazers or the Los Angeles Clippers, as both teams remain a 1/2 game from each other in the standings with the Clippers having the slight edge. Golden State has a season-finale game against the Clippers in Inglewood.
The focus right now is on the play-in games and whether the Warriors can win two games to become the eighth seed during the 2026 NBA playoffs.
2026 NBA Play-In Tournament formatting
The NBA Play-In Tournament format has the No. 7-10 seeds all vying for a playoff berth. The higher seed plays at home throughout the tournament. The No. 7 and 8 seeds play for the No. 7 spot.
However, the loser isn’t eliminated yet. They have one more opportunity to redeem themselves in a chance for the No. 8 seed.
The No. 9 and 10 seeds play each other in a win-or-go-home contest. The victor of the No. 9 vs. 10 seed game plays the loser of the No. 7 vs. 8 seed game for the No. 8 and final spot in the playoffs.
Warriors’ playoff scenarios
The Warriors are headed for the NBA Play-In Tournament, there’s not enough games remaining in the regular season for them to jump to the No. 6 seed.
Golden State will be placed in the 10th seed with their 36-42 record, meaning they would need to win both play-in games to make their 2026 NBA playoff appearance in the first round against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Blazers (40-39) are ahead of the Warriors by 3.5 games, sitting snug at the No. 9-seed. The Clippers (40-38) at the No. 8 slot, a half game above the Blazers. Currently placed at No. 7 are the Phoenix Suns who are 43-35.
If the regular season ended today, the Warriors would go on the road to face the Blazers in an elimination game for a chance at the No. 8-seed.
During the regular-season, Portland won the series against Golden State, 1-3. Although the Warriors won their last meeting 119-97 on Jan. 13 behind 23 points from De’Anthony Melton and Curry’s 11 assists.
A loss means Golden State begins their offseason, but if they win, they would face the the loser of the No. 7 vs. 8 seed game between the Suns and Clippers for the No. 8 spot.
Golden State has the season series advantage over Phoenix, beating them in three out of four meetings.
The Warriors have one more game against the Clippers, which could tie the seasons series. The Clippers lead 2-1, with a final game to be played on April 12.
Here is who the Warriors face in their five remaining games of the 2025-26 regular season.
- Thursday, April 9: vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Friday, April 10: @Sacramento Kings
- Sunday, April 12: @Los Angeles Clippers
Golden State Warriors playoffs odds
Prior to Curry’s return, as of April 4, the Warriors were expected to miss the playoffs, according to BetMGM. Here’s what the Warriors’ postseason chances look like.
Warriors’ playoff chances
- Miss the playoffs: -450
- Make the playoffs: +300
- Advance to Western Conference second round (semifinals): +2800
- Advance to Western Conference Finals: +8000
- Win Western Conference Finals: +25000
- Win championship: +50000