Everybody is enjoying life in the Bay. Since the trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors have been flying through the standings. Jimmy Butler‘s addition to the roster has been transformational. The Warriors have seriously turned the corner, now having won four straight games in a row. In a packed Western Conference, they are eyeing the sixth seed to have a guaranteed spot in the postseason. But as impressive as they have been, James Harden has quite possibly derailed their plans.
The Los Angeles Clippers snapped their three-game losing streak tonight. The Beard’s vintage 30-point performance helped the team sink the Chicago Bulls. The narrow game although a small step for the Clippers’ turnaround, for the standings, means a lot. The Clippers breaking through their slump helped them improve to 32-26.
It also helped them preserve their spot as the sixth seed. The win against the Bulls keeps them one game ahead of the Warriors. Although one game isn’t a troublesome deficit to cover up, one wrong step can be damaging in the West. A win against the Orlando Magic tomorrow will put them level with the Timberwolves in terms of record.
Clippers back to a full game ahead of the Warriors (for now) https://t.co/7O0jLL3MvR
— Blue Man Hoop (@BlueManHoop) February 27, 2025
However, if they lose, their position as the 8th seed will remain due to a better point differential against the Dallas Mavericks. But the bottom line is well drawn. The Warriors have to continue winning games. Stephen Curry and the Warriors side have done so since the trade deadline, having lost just one game.
Tomorrow, they will face the Orlando Magic to possibly inch closer to the Clippers in the battle for the sixth seed. And ahead of the game, they haven’t received a great update.
Jonathan Kuminga will have to wait more
The Warriors have been patient with bringing Jonathan Kuminga back. As Anthony Slater revealed, “They want him to hit the ground running, they don’t want to ease him,”. Hence, although the explosive forward has begun scrimmaging in practices, they aren’t pushing for an early return. As the Bay embarks on a five-game road trip, Kuminga remains on the sidelines in their first game against Orlando.
Slater received the latest update on his conditioning. He wrote, “Jonathan Kuminga will remain out in Orlando tomorrow night to open the Warriors’ road trip. Still waiting on final Rick Celebrini green light. He’s been scrimmaging. At final stage of return from ankle injury. Middle of road trip a possibility,”.
The Magic haven’t been as threatening as they once were early in the season. They have won five of their last 10 games. One of the five losses in that span includes a narrow loss to the Golden State Warriors earlier this month. However, things were far different back then.
Jonathan Kuminga will remain out in Orlando tomorrow night to open the Warriors’ road trip. Still waiting on final Rick Celebrini green light. He’s been scrimmaging. At final stage of return from ankle injury. Middle of road trip a possibility.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 26, 2025
Orlando Magic’s identity emerges from their hardcore defense. They exemplify toughness and physicality. Last time around, Andrew Wiggins’ burst was integral in the Warriors win. Now, although they have Jimmy Butler, he isn’t as thunderous or daunting as Wiggins. The only one comparable happens to be Jonathan Kuminga.
Not having someone who can pierce the lane the way he does could pose a challenge. But as mentioned, the Magic have been faltering. On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors seem to be taking every step in the right direction. Based on momentum alone, the Magic are coming off a 40-point loss to the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers.
Their confidence is waned and injuries continue to keep them from being at full strength. The Warriors though have found their flow, winning games building a great atmosphere with Butler in doing so. From that, they should be getting the better of the Magic tomorrow. However, Orlando’s strong home record proves they are still a dangerous team.
Anything could happen, but the stakes are much higher for the Warriors. Can they get closer to clinching the sixth seed?
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