Warriors vs 76ers: Golden State Aims for Sixth Seed Without Jimmy Butler

Image credits: Yahoo Sports

The Golden State Warriors will play their first game without Jimmy Butler, who was ruled out of Saturday night's game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to back spasms. Head coach Steve Kerr said Butler began experiencing back issues when he took a hit from Orlando's Wendell Carter Jr. during the Warriors' 121-115 win over the Magic on Thursday. With Butler in the lineup, the Warriors were 7-1 since acquiring him before the trade deadline, and they have played their best basketball since with Butler on the floor, winning five straight heading into Saturday.

The Warriors have said their goal is to secure the sixth seed in the playoffs and avoid the play-in. They went into Saturday's game tied with the Clippers with a 32-27 record. In addition to Butler, the Warriors were missing Jonathan Kuminga, who remains out with an ankle injury but continues to work his way back. The Warriors' point-of-attack defense has been a key factor in their recent success, with the trio led by Brandin Podziemski, along with Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green, providing support and cooling every point guard they’ve faced.

The Warriors will face one of the best point guards in the league on Saturday in Philadelphia, where they confront Tyrese Maxey. Maxey has been the lone bright spot for the 76ers, averaging 27.2 points per game, fifth in the league and third among guards. He’s shooting 44.5 percent from the field, including 34.1 from distance and 87.8 percent from the line. Maxey has scored 30 or more points in 22 games this season, and containing him will be crucial for the Warriors to achieve their first six-game win streak this season. The Warriors' defense will need to be strong, using their teamwork and strategy to outmaneuver the 76ers.

Here are the current standings and schedules for the teams:

• Warriors: 32-27 record, tied with the Clippers
• 76ers: 20-38 record, lost nine consecutive games
• Upcoming schedule: Warriors vs 76ers on Saturday, tipoff at 5:40 PM

The Warriors will need to adjust their lineup without Butler, with one possibility being center Quinten Post making his first start since Feb. 12, in which case Green would slide over to power forward, with Moses Moody dropping to small forward.

The outcome of the game will depend on the defensive matchup, particularly how the Warriors contain Maxey. If they can limit his scoring and maintain their recent defensive form, they should be able to secure a win and move closer to their goal of securing the sixth seed in the playoffs. The Warriors' fans will be watching closely, hoping their team can continue their winning streak and make a strong push for the playoffs.

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