In a surprising turn of events, the Golden State Warriors are making a late-season push to secure a higher seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Following their convincing victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, optimism is on the rise among Warriors fans, with the possibility of a deep playoff run looming on the horizon.

While Lakers' center Anthony Davis was absent from the game, the Warriors' commanding performance cannot be disregarded. This win serves as a testament to the team's potential and their ability to compete at a high level. Additionally, the recent loss suffered by the Lakers has further complicated the playoff picture, potentially eliminating a matchup between the two teams in the postseason.

Thanks to a critical tie-breaker win over the Lakers, the Warriors now have a promising chance to clinch the 8th seed. If they can continue their winning streak and triumph in their next three games against the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Utah Jazz, while the Sacramento Kings struggle in their final matches, the Warriors have a clear path to advancing to the playoffs and even securing a double-elimination play-in tournament.

Looking ahead, the Warriors may find themselves facing the second-seeded team in the West, which is likely to be determined in Wednesday's matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. While a series against the defending champions, the Nuggets, would be a tough challenge, there remains a possibility of the Warriors defeating the Timberwolves and progressing to the second round, replicating the success of the previous season.

The playoff seeding scenario has created a headache-inducing situation, as Warriors fans find themselves in perplexing rooting scenarios for the upcoming conference showdown. Some may lean towards supporting the Nuggets if they believe in the Warriors' chances, while others may back the Timberwolves if they anticipate a play-in tournament scenario.

According to Playoffstatus.com, if the Warriors manage to win all their remaining games, they have a 51 percent chance of securing the coveted 8th seed. Considering the unpredictable nature of this season, these odds indicate a marginally better-than-even chance for the Warriors.

It is certainly remarkable how the Warriors, after six months of hard-fought battles, have positioned themselves to potentially make a significant impact in the playoffs. This turnaround can be attributed to the stellar defense led by Draymond Green and the resurgent performance of Klay Thompson. The Warriors, who initially had to battle just to secure a postseason spot, now find themselves in a situation where they have a shot at advancing to the next round.

Even if luck doesn't favor the Warriors or they face a setback, they are likely to compete in a 9th vs. 10th match in the play-in tournament, and the game will be held at the Warriors' home ground, Chase Center. As known for their intimidating atmosphere during crucial matches, the Warriors will have the advantage of playing in front of their passionate fans, contributing to a hostile environment for their opponents.

This unexpected turn of events is indeed good news for Warriors CEO Joe Lacob, as the team's success translates into increased gate revenue. With an expensive roster, the Warriors are undoubtedly the most costly team in NBA history.

As the regular season draws to a close, the Warriors have a newfound hope of a higher seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Their recent performance, alongside favorable circumstances, sets the stage for an exciting and potentially successful postseason campaign.