The Western Conference won't slow down any time soon, and ESPN's Jay Bilas believes the Golden State Warriors can only maintain one way in the fight.
“Keep healthy and put yourself in a good position,” Bilas told Montpoor of the NBC Sports Bay area at the U.S. Century Championships in South Lake Tahoe. “It's crazy, and one or two games throughout the year can determine if you're fourth or eighth.
Golden State's injury history has proven Bilas's rights.
“But because everyone is close, it means if you get into the playoffs, you have a chance. Especially if you are healthy,” Bilas continued. “That’s why last year was destined to make the Golden State, [Steph] Curry hurt. It doesn't matter whether it's curry [Jimmy] Butler or [Draymond] Green, you will be hurt by one of them and you won't win. Unfortunately, but you have to keep your guy healthy. ”
The course has been learned with difficulty throughout the league.
The Boston Celtics’ championship defense collapsed when Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles, while the Indiana Pacers’ breakthrough season suffered the same damage after Tyrese Haliburton and was ruled out after 2025-26.
The Warriors know they can’t control the damage, but Bilas said their only chance is to “take it day after day” and survive the ordeal of another Western Conference glove.
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