Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has made it clear that rest will take precedence over potentially securing home-court advantage as his team concludes the regular season with a matchup against the Utah Jazz on Sunday in San Francisco.

The Warriors, currently tied with the Sacramento Kings for ninth place in the Western Conference with a record of 45-36, find themselves in a precarious position. If the play-in tournament were to commence Sunday, the Kings would host the Warriors in a do-or-die game based on the season-series tiebreaker.

However, a win for the Warriors against the Jazz, coupled with a loss for the Kings against the Portland Trail Blazers, could shift the play-in game to San Francisco.

An ideal scenario for the Warriors on the final day of the regular season would involve a victory for them, a loss for the Kings, and a defeat for the Los Angeles Lakers (46-35) against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Lakers’ losses to both the Warriors and Kings in the season series mean they would finish below either or both teams in the event of a final tie.

Despite the potential for improved seeding, Kerr remains focused on the well-being of his roster, particularly considering the team’s superior performance on the road compared to at home and the presence of several veteran players.

“I mean, you prefer to stay at home, but if you look at what we’re facing, it’s a gauntlet. You got to play two play-in games; if you can win those two, you get Game 1 (of a first-round series) 48 hours after that. I’m much more interested in our ability to be ready for next week,” Kerr emphasized.

While Kerr believes his team could secure a win against the Jazz even with key players resting, there is uncertainty regarding the availability of Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II, who missed the previous game due to injuries.

The Jazz, coming off a surprising road victory against the Los Angeles Clippers, enter the matchup with momentum and a desire for revenge against the Warriors, who have won all three meetings between the teams this season.

Despite their disappointment with their season’s outcome, Jazz coach Will Hardy and his players are eager for a playoff-like atmosphere in the final game, longing for the intensity and strategic battles that characterize postseason play.