The Western Conference isnt slowing down anytime soon, and ESPNs Jay Bilas believes theres only one way the Golden State Warriors can stay in the fight.
Stay healthy and put yourself in a good position going into the playoffs, Bilas told NBC Sports Bay Areas Monte Poole at the American Century Championship in South Lake Tahoe. Its crazy, one or two games throughout the year can determine whether youre fourth or eighth. Heck, last year, the last three games of the year, Denver was either going to be fourth or in the Play-In. It was that close. Every game you play, and I know there are 82 of them and youre not going to be your best all the time, but every game matters in the Western Conference. Its brutal.
Golden States injury history has already proven Bilas right.
But because everybodys so close, that means if you get in the playoffs, you have a chance. especially if youre healthy, Bilas continued. And thats what doomed Golden State this last year, [Steph] Curry had that injury. It didnt matter if it was Curry, [Jimmy] Butler or [Draymond] Green, you get one of those guys hurt and youre not going to win. Its unfortunate, but you got to keep your guys healthy.
That lesson has been learned the hard way across the league.
The Boston Celtics title defense fell apart when Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles, while the Indiana Pacers breakthrough season ended after Tyrese Haliburton suffered the same injury and was ruled out for all of 2025-26.
The Warriors know they cant control injuries, but Bilas says their only chance is to take it day by day and survive the grind of another Western Conference gauntlet.
READ MORE: Vince Carter Explains How Warriors Veteran Core Is Key to Success
