Dub Hub: Warriors closing in on 5th seed in the West ahead of matchup vs. Grizzlies

Yesterday at 01:45 PM

Rounding up all Warriors and NBA related news for Tuesday, April 1st.

In today's Dub Hub:

• Warriors can move to fifth in the Western conference standings with a win tonight against the Grizzlies.
• Jonathan Kuminga listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Grizzlies due to a pelvic contusion.
• Suns Kevin Durant expected to miss multiple games due to sprained ankle.

After a two-game winning streak, the Golden State Warriors are back to gaining ground in the Western Conference standings. With the Memphis Grizzlies (44-31) losing their third-straight game in Monday's 117-103 defeat to the Boston Celtics, they now hold just a half-game lead over Golden State (43-31) for the fifth seed.

The two teams will face off in Memphis on Tuesday in a pivotal head-to-head matchup that has major playoff implications. A Warriors victory would not only even their records in the standings but also secure a crucial regular season tiebreaker over the Grizzlies, giving Golden State the upper hand in the final seedings.

With only a handful of games left in the regular season, the Western Conference playoff picture is tightening. The Los Angeles Clippers (43-32) and Minnesota Timberwolves (43-32) remain right on Golden State's heels, making every game down the stretch crucial for seeding.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Tuesday, April 1st:

Warriors News:

Warriors begin most important week of season with four-game gauntlet | NBC Sports Bay Area

"If we can beat Memphis, we get the tiebreaker over them, that's huge" Kerr acknowledged. "We're right there with the Clippers. The Lakers are only a couple ahead. We got them after, so it's quite a race going down the stretch.

"We have a difficult schedule. Our last eight games are pretty tough. We're going to have to continue to play well."

Kerr shares heartfelt reflection on Popovich's health status | NBC Sports Bay Area

Popovich is recovering from a stroke he sustained back in early November and has been away from the team since. Kerr, during a six-game road trip, made sure to check on his old friend and shared an emotional update on Popovich's health status.

"We've stayed in touch," Kerr told reporters after Golden State's win over San Antonio. "I went and saw him today and he looks great. He's doing great. He's one of the most important people in my life, so hoping that everything continues to progress. But it was wonderful to see him."

Jimmy Butler Talks Steph Curry, Warriors' Playoffs, Heat and More in B/R Interview | Bleacher Report

Despite playing alongside four-time NBA champions Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, Butler is confident that "Playoff Jimmy" will be in full effect this postseason.

"I'm gonna still be who I am come the playoffs, and do whatever it takes to help this team win," Butler told B/R in an interview. "That's what they're gonna ask of me, that's what they're gonna need from me. I know I'll be able to step up to the plate and make that happen. Support Steph and Dray in any way that I can, along with anybody else on this roster, and get some 'dubs."

Warriors' bench reacts to Kevon Looney's three vs. Spurs

Jonathan Kuminga listed as questionable vs. Grizzlies due to pelvic contusion

NBA News:

Inside the Memphis Grizzlies' shocking firing of Taylor Jenkins | ESPN

Perhaps most concerning was how Morant was functioning in the offense. Instead of freeing him up in transition and for moments of individual brilliance, the system was effectively taking the ball out of his hands. This season, Morant is averaging career lows in touches, average touch length and dribbles per touch this season. Morant's 22.4 points per game is his lowest scoring average since 2020-21, his second season, and his field goal percentage (.448) is the worst of his career.

That didn't sit well with him, and he voiced his frustrations publicly and privately, sources said. As the Grizzlies spiraled, losing six of eight after the All-Star break, pressure mounted to the point where one Western Conference general manager believed, until the firings, that the team would be forced to shop Morant this summer.

Kevin Durant expected to miss multiple games with sprained ankle: Source | The Athletic

Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant is expected to miss multiple games after spraining his ankle Sunday against the Houston Rockets, a source briefed on the matter told The Athletic on Monday.

Durant did not travel with his team to Milwaukee for the Suns' game on Tuesday against the Bucks, the source said. That is the first game of a three-game road trip, which also takes Phoenix to Boston for a Friday night game against the Celtics, then to New York for a Sunday contest against the Knicks.

Suspensions announced for the Pistons-Timberwolves scuffle on Sunday

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Jonathan Kuminga gives us a positive update on his ankle

Halfway through tonight's 148-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs, Jonathan Kuminga was ruled out with right ankle soreness after taking a hard fall while driving to the basket.

Per Sam Gordon for the San Francisco Chronicle, Kuminga said he's "straight" and hopes he won't miss time.

Kuminga was likely ruled out just to play it safe, as he had already missed time this season because of that same ankle — 31 games, to be exact.

Follow@unstoppablebaby on Twitter for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.