Cavaliers Look to Clinch Playoff Berth Against Shorthanded Warriors

James Harden and Cleveland aim to secure postseason spot in matchup with Curry-less Golden State.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:25pm by Ben Kaplan

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking a basketball game down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a vibrant, abstract composition.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes playoff battle between the Cavaliers and Warriors, with the players' movements and the court's lines deconstructed into a dynamic, abstract composition.San Francisco Today

The Cleveland Cavaliers have the opportunity to clinch a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference with a victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. The Cavs, currently seeded third in the East, are facing a Warriors squad that will be without star guard Stephen Curry, who is expected to return next week. Golden State is fighting for a spot in the West's play-in tournament.

Why it matters

This game holds significant playoff implications, as the Cavaliers are looking to solidify their position in the East, while the Warriors are trying to stay in the hunt for the postseason in the West. The outcome could impact the final standings and seeding in both conferences.

The details

The Cavaliers, led by James Harden, are currently 47-29 and in third place in the Central Division. The Warriors, who are 36-40 and in fourth place in the Pacific Division, will be without Curry, who is expected to return next week after missing time due to injury.

  • The game is scheduled for Thursday, April 2 at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
  • Curry is expected to return to the Warriors' lineup next week.

The players

James Harden

The star guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers who is leading the team's push for a playoff berth.

Stephen Curry

The star guard for the Golden State Warriors who is expected to return to the lineup next week after missing time due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“We're focused on getting this win and locking down our spot in the playoffs. It's going to be a tough game against a Warriors team that's fighting for their own postseason position.”

— James Harden, Cavaliers Guard

What’s next

If the Cavaliers win this game, they will clinch a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. The Warriors will continue their push for a spot in the West's play-in tournament, with Curry expected to return to the lineup next week.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Cavaliers and Warriors holds significant playoff implications, with Cleveland looking to secure a postseason spot and Golden State fighting to stay in the hunt. The outcome could impact the final standings and seeding in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.