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OAKLAND – This is not an April Fool’s joke. When the Warriors (52-24) host the Denver Nuggets (51-25) on Tuesday at Oracle Arena, the outcome could influence whether the Warriors hoist another Larry O’Brien trophy in 2 ½ months.

“Nothing is as big as a playoff game,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “But it’s a big game in terms of the No. 1 seed and protecting our home court.”

The Warriors currently have a one-game lead over the Nuggets for first place in the Western Conference with six regular-season contests left. Should the Warriors win, it all but ensures that every Western Conference playoff series begins at Oracle Arena. That’s because the Nuggets could only take the No. 1 spot if two scenarios happen. Denver would have to go undefeated in its five remaining regular-season games. The Warriors would also have to lose three of their final five.

The Warriors have not lost three consecutive games since mid November. Then, Stephen Curry staying sidelined with a left groin injury. Draymond Green and Kevin Durant were also arguing. In other words, the odds are not exactly high for the Warriors to lose so many games.

“If we take care of our business and win tomorrow, we’re obviously in great shape down the stretch with the last 10 days of the season,” Kerr said. “So we can prepare for the playoffs the best way we can.”

The Warriors are not doing this to draw favorable first-round matchups. One, the Warriors do not fear anybody after winning three NBA titles in the past four years. Two, the San Antonio Spurs (44-33) and Oklahoma City Thunder (44-33) offer their own unique challenges.

Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are not walking through that door. But the Warriors still respect the Spurs because of his coach Gregg Popovich has helped a team overachieve with DeMar DeRozan, LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay and a handful of role players. The Thunder has lost 14 of its last 21 games. But the Warriors believe Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Steven Adams and a toxic road atmosphere would require them to expend plenty of energy to open the postseason.

Instead, the Warriors have considered home-court advantage a priority for two other reasons.

One, it adds one extra variable that could help the Warriors become only the sixth team in NBA history to win three consecutive titles. The NBA has produced 112 Game 7 playoff games, and the road opponent has stolen the series only 26 times.

“When you go to the Finals for five straight years, it takes a toll,” said Warriors center Andrew Bogut, who was part of the 2015 NBA championship team. “You have 1 ½ – 2 months to yourself and then you’re coming back and getting ready for training camp. It does grind on guys a little bit mentally and physically. That’s why it is so hard to get to the Finals every year.”

Two, the Warriors have suddenly found purpose in otherwise forgettable regular-season games.

“Because we’re in the very final state of the season, I think our guys are more focused,” Kerr said. “But it doesn’t guarantee anything. It’s not like this has been a long stretch where we’ve been dialed in.”

After all, the Warriors experienced a 40-point blowout loss to Dallas on March 23 and then squandered a 14-point half-time lead to Minnesota on March 29. Still, the Warriors have won six of their past nine games, a vast improvement when they closed out last season losing 10 of their last 17 games.

Then, Curry missed the last 10 regular-season games with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee. Klay Thompson, Durant and Green all had overlapping absences because of minor ailments. Still, the Warriors breezed through a 8-2 record in the first two rounds of the NBA playoffs. Then, the Warriors stole Game 7 against the Rockets in Houston in the Western Conference Finals.

This season, the Warriors have a mostly healthy roster. Only Andre Iguodala remains questionable for Tuesday’s game after missing Monday’s practice because of left toe soreness. Otherwise, the Warriors plan to field their roster on Tuesday against Denver in hopes to solidify their standing in the Western Conference.

“I sense there is more of a sense of urgency now,” Kerr said. “I think we’ll come out and play well.”

Excused absences

Durant and Warriors guard Quinn Cook were excused from Monday’s practice so they could attend the funeral of Clifford Dixon, a close friend who was fatally shot outside of an Atlanta bar on March 21. Durant and Cook, whom played with Dixon on an AAU team, took a red-eye flight to Washington D.C. following Sunday’s win over Charlotte. Both were expected to the Bay Area late Monday night and be available for Tuesday’s game.

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