Warriors Face Elimination Game Against Mavericks Amidst Play-In Race

The Golden State Warriors (33-38) travel to Dallas on Monday night to face the Mavericks (23-48) in a game with significant playoff implications. A Warriors win will officially eliminate the Mavericks from postseason contention, while Dallas looks to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Warriors’ Play-In Position Secure, But Seeking More

Golden State currently holds a comfortable lead for the 10th and final play-in spot in the Western Conference, sitting 8.5 games ahead of both the Fresh Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies with 11 games remaining CBS Sports. Despite recent struggles, losing eight of their last nine games, the Warriors are in a strong position to participate in the play-in tournament.

Mavericks on the Brink of Elimination

For the Mavericks, Monday’s game is a must-win. A loss would put them 11 games back of the Warriors with only 10 games left to play, mathematically eliminating them from playoff contention for the second consecutive season CBS Sports. Dallas reached the NBA Finals in 2024 but has struggled this season.

Key Player Absences for Golden State

The Warriors will be without key players Stephen Curry, Al Horford, and Moses Moody for Monday’s game. Curry, who has missed the last 21 games with a sore right knee, is scheduled for a re-evaluation on Tuesday CBS Sports. Golden State has a 6-15 record in games without Curry.

Brandin Podziemski Steps Up in Curry’s Absence

In Curry’s absence, Brandin Podziemski has stepped into a starting role, averaging 14.5 points, a team-leading 6.4 rebounds, and four assists in 31.3 minutes per game CBS Sports.

Recent Matchup: Mavericks vs. Clippers

On November 29, 2025, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 114-110 ESPN. Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with a season-high 35 points, while Klay Thompson added 23 points in the fourth quarter.

Game Information

The game between the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors will be played on Monday, March 23, 2026, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The game is scheduled to initiate at 8:30 PM CT.