Well, the Rockets expectedly lost to the Wolves, while the Warriors unexpectedly beat the Mavs. I think the last two games were crucial for the Rockets, and now they have almost no chance to dislodge the Warriors from the 10th spot in the standings, as there are only 7 games left until the end of the regular season.
That's for sure, the Warriors will nail the 10th spot in the West but unfortunately for them though is that their first game in the play-in is against the Lakers who have their numbers last season, i mean the Warrior's small ball will not work against the bigger Lakers, just my two cent though.
With 3 games separating both the Warriors and the Rockets, I guess that increases the chances of Warriors securing that 10th spot. As for them stealing the 9th spot? I don't think they can against the Lakers who are on a winning streak as well.
If both the Lakers and Warriors will face on the play-in tournament (which I think they will), I also don't want to believe that small ball will not work, but I'm thinking of a scenario that it might work. Green will defend AD which I believe he can while Lebron will be defended by Wiggins. Small ball will work only if Wiggins will be the same Wiggins that we saw 2 years ago when they won the title. He's a very good defender back then and he limit's Tatum on that series. If we will see the same Wiggins 2 years ago against Lebron, I also believe he can limit his points as well.
Anyway, they can still opt not to go small. They still have Jackson-Davis, Saric and Looney as their bigs that can defend the paint. What the Warriors need in order for them to win against the Lakers is to limit them in going to the free throw line.