Warriors' Game-by-Game Predictions with 1 Month Left in Regular Season

The Golden State Warriors (32-31) have 19 games left in the regular season, and the LA Clippers (31-32) are closing in on them for eighth place in the Western Conference.

Will the Warriors hold on? Let's predict the result of every game left on Golden State's schedule before guessing whether the Warriors finish eighth, ninth or something else.

The only caveat here is we have no idea when Stephen Curry will return. I'm guessing he will return by the end of the regular season, but it might come later than expected.

Game-by-Game Predictions

3/9 @ Utah

The Jazz are in full tank mode, having lost eight of nine games. Back-to-backs are scary for the Warriors because we don't know whether Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton will be playing this game or the next, and it's already been announced that Kristaps Porzingis will miss this game. But the Warriors have played two strong games in a row and should have enough to beat the undermanned Jazz.

Result: Win (33-31 record)

3/10 vs. Chicago

The Bulls have won two of three entering Sunday, but before that they had lost 11 in a row. The Warriors

Result: Win (34-31 record)

3/13 vs. Minnesota

The Wolves will throw in a puzzling effort every once in a while, like when they lost to the short-handed Warriors by 26 in January. But that should have them on high alert for this game, and they can't afford to drop a game like this if they want to get the third seed in the West.

Result: Loss (34-32 record)

3/15 @ New York

The Knicks will be looking for revenge after the Warriors after Curry and Jimmy Butler combined for 59 points in a January win. Oh, what I'd give to go back to a time when both were healthy.

Result: Loss (34-33 record)

3/16 @ Washington

The Wizards entered Sunday having lost seven straight. Even on the second leg of a back-to-back, the Warriors should win this game without much of a sweat.

Result: Win (35-33 record)

3/18 @ Boston

The Celtics beat the Warriors by 11 in February, and now they have Jayson Tatum back. This is not a good matchup for Golden State.

Result: Loss (35-34 record)

3/20 @ Detroit

The Pistons are suddenly in a tighter race for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference after losing three straight. They will likely be pushing hard for every game until they clinch the top spot.

Result: Loss (35-35 record)

3/21 @ Atlanta

The Hawks were already more athletic than the Warriors when they didn't have Jonathan Kuminga. Expect them to have fresher legs and play with extra motivation to help their teammate beat his former team.

Result: Loss (35-36 record)

3/23 @ Dallas

The Mavericks' last win against a non-tanking team came against the Warriors on Jan. 22. They have just two wins since. I'll give the Warriors this one, but don't be surprised if the Mavs get up for this game on national television.

Result: Win (36-36 record)

3/25 vs. Brooklyn

The Nets have lost 10 of 11. The Warriors should take care of business.

Result: Win (37-36 record)

3/27 vs. Washington

Another game that the Warriors should win easily.

Result: Win (38-36 record)

3/29 @ Denver

The Warriors stunned the Nuggets on Feb. 22, but Aaron Gordon has since returned, which changes everything for Denver.

Result: Loss (38-37 record)

4/1 vs. San Antonio

The Spurs are battling for the No. 1 seed in the West, and they should be motivated to beat the Warriors after losing twice to them early in the season. San Antonio has won 14 of 15 entering Sunday. It doesn't help the Warriors that this is the front end of a back-to-back.

Result: Loss (38-38 record)

4/2 vs. Cleveland

The Cavs are battling for playoff position in the East, and their offense is more potent now that they have James Harden. Tired legs cost the Warriors this one.

Result: Loss (38-39 record)

4/5 vs. Houston

Coming off three consecutive losses, the Warriors give a spirited effort against a Rockets team they always get up for.

Result: Win (39-39 record)

4/7 vs. Sacramento

The Warriors take care of business against the worst team in the NBA.

Result: Win (40-39 record)

4/9 vs. Lakers

On the one hand, it's not ideal that this game is the front end of a back-to-back. On the other hand, the Warriors can have everyone available for this game and still feel pretty confident they can beat the Kings without Melton, Horford and Porzingis in the second leg of the back-to-back. Expect the Warriors to be more motivated as they battle to stay out of the ninth spot.

Result: Win (41-39 record)

4/10 @ Sacramento

Even short-handed on the back end of a back-to-back, the Warriors take care of business.

Result: Win (42-39 record)

4/12 @ Clippers

It feels like the Clippers will be 42-39 or 41-40, which would mean this game would be for the eighth spot in the West. Though the Clips are 2-1 against the Warriors this season, one of those games came with Curry out. Assuming he's active for this game, he proves the difference as the Warriors keep the eighth spot.

Result: Win (43-39 record)

Predicting Where the Warriors Finish

As noted above, I have the Warriors finishing eighth, which would mean they'd play a road playoff game in the play-tournament for the seventh seed. If they lose that, they'd likely play the Clippers for the eighth seed.

The Blazers (30-34 entering Sunday) have the easiest schedule in the NBA from here on out, so they could factor into the race for the eighth spot if the Warriors and Clippers both finish .500 or below. But I think it's too tall of an ask for them to get to 42 or 43 wins.