The Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz have a lot at stake in their upcoming regular-season finale. Despite the significance of the game for both teams, there’s uncertainty regarding the availability of key players on both sides.
Several players are sidelined for the Jazz, including Jordan Clarkson, John Collins, Kris Dunn, and Lauri Markkanen, with Collin Sexton’s participation uncertain. Likewise, the Warriors have question marks over the availability of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Chris Paul, and Klay Thompson, with Gary Payton II already ruled out. This sets the stage for a matchup where backups may take center stage, with significant implications for both franchises.
For the Jazz, a loss or a Brooklyn Nets victory over the Philadelphia 76ers would secure them the eighth-best lottery odds, with the Nets game outcome known before their own tip-off. In case of a tie with the Nets by the end of the day, a coin flip would determine their lottery fate.
Meanwhile, the Warriors aim to improve their seeding for the play-in tournament, though Coach Steve Kerr hints at the possibility of resting key players to prioritize readiness for the upcoming challenges. Their path to the eighth seed involves needing help from other teams, particularly a win against Utah coupled with specific outcomes in other games involving the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers.
The scenario gets complex if multiple teams end up in a tie, with tie-breaker rules determining the final seeding. Kerr’s decision to rest players may depend on the trends of these consequential games, all of which start simultaneously, including the Jazz-Warriors matchup.
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