With just one game left in the regular season and the Western Conference being tighter than a drum, the Golden State Warriors are walking a razor’s edge. One win could lock in a playoff spot. One misstep? And they’re staring down the barrel of the play-in.

Therefore, today’s victory over the Portland Trail Blazers wasn’t just a win—it was a lifeline. But with one game left and the standings tighter than ever, Dub Nation has one burning question: can Steph Curry and Co. dodge the play-in and secure the 6th seed?

Golden State Warriors Playoff Picture: How Can the Warriors Secure the 6th Seed?

Golden State’s blowout win over Portland pushed them to 47-33, creating a three-way tie with the Grizzlies and Timberwolves. But the job’s not done yet. The Warriors essentially have three cracks at locking in a playoff spot—and the most straightforward is this:

Win Sunday vs. the Clippers, and they’re in.

It’s that simple. Beat the Clippers, and the Warriors clinch a top-six seed. But lose? Things get dicey:

• Lose to the Clippers, and if the Timberwolves beat the Jazz (which they’re expected to) it’s very likely Golden State drops to 7th and face the Grizzlies in the first play-in game.
• Lose that play-in, and their season comes down to a one-game showdown against the winner of Kings vs. Mavericks.

That’s the margin for error.

Steph Curry, after their loss to San Antonio earlier this week, laid it out plainly: “We’ve basically been playing playoff-level basketball for the last 20 games. But now it’s about finishing. These last two games — Portland and the Clippers — it’s simple: take care of business.”

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are in a do-or-die spot themselves. Their path to a guaranteed playoff berth requires a win against Utah—and if Golden State wins, Minnesota heads to the play-in no matter what. It’s stressful for the teams, but thrilling setup for fans.

Minnesota Timberwolves Playoff Picture: Can Anthony Edwards and Co. Avoid the Play-In?

It’s not just the Warriors under pressure. The Timberwolves are neck-and-neck with Golden State and Memphis—but now must beat the Jazz on Sunday without their superstar.

Anthony Edwards will serve a one-game suspension after picking up his 18th technical foul of the season. That means Minnesota’s leading scorer sits out a must-win matchup against Utah.

Their path is straightforward: if the Wolves win and the Warriors lose, Minnesota secures the 6th seed. But if the Warriors win—even if the Wolves do too—it’s play-in time for Edwards and Co.

With the Jazz out of contention, the Wolves still enter the game as favorites, but Edwards’ absence could tilt the balance. “I said where was the F-in foul and they gave me a tech. I hope they look at it and rescind it so I can play in a couple days,” Edwards said of the technical.

Despite his appeal, the NBA upheld the suspension, making him ineligible for the Timberwolves’ crucial game against the Utah Jazz.

Los Angeles Clippers Playoff Picture: Can Kawhi Leonard and James Harden Lock Up the 4th Seed?

The Clippers aren’t just trying to dodge the play-in—they’re gunning for home-court advantage.

Currently tied with Denver at 48-32, L.A. needs two things on Sunday:

1. Nuggets lose to Rockets
2. Clippers beat the Warriors

Do that, and they’re the 4th seed. But here’s where things get super interesting—the Nuggets and Clippers split their season series, so if both teams finish with the same record, it’ll come down to conference record. As of April 10, the Nuggets had the edge, but it’s close enough that one result could tip the scale.

The Clippers are also riding a perfect 3-0 record against the Warriors this season. One more win, and they not only send Golden State to the play-in—they might also grab home court for the first round. However, Stephen Curry is averaging 27.5 points in his last 10 games. The Warriors are healthier than they’ve been all season. They have the pedigree, the poise, and the pieces. But none of that will matter if they don’t beat the Clippers.

However, Kawhi Leonard has stepped up when it matters most. Coach Tyronn Lue praised his leadership, saying, “We have talked to them all year about holding each other accountable, talking, communicating.” That cohesion has shown, particularly on the defensive end.

James Harden, too, has hit a groove. He scored 35 points and provided 10 assists in the Clippers’ 134-117 victory over the Houston Rockets on April 9. With Leonard’s two-way dominance and Harden’s offensive rhythm, the Clippers could be one win away from a home-court edge that changes their entire playoff narrative.

Therefore, Sunday isn’t just about who makes the playoffs—it’s about stories coming together. Steph Curry is trying to keep the Warriors’ legacy alive. The Timberwolves are young and hungry, ready to prove they belong. And the Clippers have a chance to shake things up and grab home court. It’s a battle between experience and energy. One game could change everything.

One game. One chance to avoid chaos. Can they do it?

We’re about to find out.

Stay tuned—because Sunday could define the Warriors’ entire postseason run.