Are Warriors in the playoffs? What Golden State's Play-In win over Clippers means for NBA playoff bracket

Q: What does the Warriors' Play-In win over the Clippers mean for their playoff chances?

The win guarantees the Warriors a spot in the NBA playoffs, allowing them to continue their postseason journey.

Q: Who were the standout players in the Warriors' victory against the Clippers?

Al Horford had a strong offensive performance, while Draymond Green excelled defensively, contributing significantly to the Warriors' win.

Q: How did Stephen Curry's return impact the Warriors' performance in the Play-In game?

Curry's return was pivotal, as it helped the Warriors reverse their recent struggles and perform well in a critical playoff scenario.

Are Warriors in the playoffs? What Golden State's Play-In win over Clippers means for NBA playoff bracket originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Golden State Warriors entered as underdogs against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday and played like it for much of the game, but a monstrous fourth quarter from Al Horford on the offensive end and Draymond Green on the defensive end flipped the game upside down.

The Warriors eked out a 126-121 road win over the Clippers and avoided elimination, instead sending L.A. packing.

The victory was a complete turnaround from a dismal finish to the season for Golden State and a realization of what Steve Kerr hoped would happen with Stephen Curry back on the floor after missing an extended regular season stretch with a knee injury. Now, the question is whether that kind of success is sustainable.

Here's what you need to know about what's next for the Warriors.

MORE:How Al Horford became Warriors' unlikely hero vs. Clippers

Are Warriors in the playoffs?

The Warriors have not yet clinched a playoff berth. Because they finished the regular season 10th in the West, they needed to win two games to reach the playoffs.

Golden State won the first game on Wednesday night in comeback fashion. With some help from Al Horford and Draymond Green alongside Stephen Curry, the Warriors staved off elimination and secured a winner-take-all matchup with the Suns on Friday.

The Warriors will go on the road to play for the No. 8 seed, but they didn't seem too intimidated by a road environment at the Intuit Dome. If they can pick up one more road win, a date with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs would await.

Here's what you need to know about when the Warriors will play again.

MORE:What's next for Clippers after elimination?

When do the Warriors play next?

Date: Friday, April 17
Time: 10 p.m. ET

The Warriors will face the Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Friday at 10 p.m. ET. It will be the final game of the NBA Play-In Tournament, with the playoffs tipping off on Saturday.

The winner will advance to the playoffs and play Game 1 in Oklahoma City on Sunday.

NBA playoff bracket 2026

Eastern Conference

(1) Pistons vs. (8) TBD
(2) Celtics vs. (7) 76ers
(3) Knicks vs. (6) Hawks
(4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Raptors

Western Conference

(1) Thunder vs. (8) TBD
(2) Spurs vs. (7) Trail Blazers
(3) Nuggets vs. (6) Timberwolves
(4) Lakers vs. (5) Rockets

The Trail Blazers already locked up the No. 7 seed with their win on Tuesday, so the winner of Friday's game between the Suns and Warriors will receive the No. 8 seed and a first-round matchup with the reigning-champion Thunder.