Warriors Not Expected to Make the Playoffs

The Golden State Warriors entered the season hoping for a bounce-back campaign. Steph Curry was set to return from injury, as was Klay Thompson, and they had the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, which ultimately became James Wiseman.

But those hopes were dashed before the season even began, as Thompson suffered a season-ending Achilles injury just days before tip off.

Golden State has been subpar since, boasting a 24-27 record. Despite some Herculean performances from Curry, the NBA playoff odds, provided by WynnBET, suggest that the Warriors won't even be making the playoffs this season.

Warriors Playoff Odds

If the regular season ended today, Golden State would be the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference. That would qualify the Warriors for the play-in tournament, meaning Golden State would have to win two play-in games to secure a real spot in the NBA Playoffs.

The odds suggest that's unlikely to happen. Golden State is available at -225 to miss the playoffs, meaning a $100 bet would only net a payout of $44.4. On the other hand, the Warriors are +150 to make the playoffs, so a $100 bet win bettors $150. That's all to say, Vegas favors the Warriors to miss the playoffs. Hard to argue with it too.

The Warriors are 1.5 games behind the San Antonio Spurs for the No. 9 seed, and they're only 1.5 games ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans, who are the No. 11 seed. Golden State is far from guaranteed to have a spot in the play-in tournament, as the Zion Williamson-led Pelicans could surpass them with a late-season run.

Even if the Warriors do make it to the play-in game, they'll be fighting an uphill battle to secure an actual playoff spot. The No. 9 or No. 10 seeds have to win two straight games in the play-in tournament, while the No. 7 or No. 8 seeds can get in with just one win.

There's a lot working against Golden State right now. The Warriors will likely be on the outside looking in come playoff time for the second consecutive season.