Western Conference Playoff Picture: Who’s Locked In and What’s Still Up for Grabs
As we approach the final day of the NBA regular season, the Western Conference is still a whirlwind of possibilities. With 81 games already played by each team, the stakes couldn’t be higher as they prepare for their 82nd and final game. For some, it’s the end of the road, while for others, it’s just the beginning of a hopeful journey to the NBA Finals. Let’s dive into the current standings and see what’s at stake.
Who’s Locked In?
- 1. Oklahoma City Thunder
- 2. Houston Rockets
- 3. Los Angeles Lakers
The Thunder have secured the top spot in both the conference and the league, ensuring home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. A win against New Orleans would make them the seventh team in NBA history to win at least 68 games in a season.
The Rockets have also locked in their position at number two, guaranteeing home-court advantage for the first two rounds. Their final game against Denver will have significant implications for the rest of the standings.
With a recent win over Houston, the Lakers have secured the third seed. They, like the Thunder and Rockets, are waiting to see how the rest of the standings will shake out.
What’s Left to Be Decided
While the top three spots are set, the rest of the Western Conference is still up in the air. Here’s a look at the teams still fighting for their playoff lives:
- 4. Denver Nuggets
- 5. LA Clippers
- 6. Minnesota Timberwolves
- 7. Golden State Warriors
- 8. Memphis Grizzlies
- 9. Sacramento Kings, 10. Dallas Mavericks
Denver controls its destiny. A win against the Rockets will secure them home-court advantage in the first round.
The Clippers face a tough challenge against the Warriors. A win could place them as high as fourth, while a loss might push them into the play-in tournament.
Despite a recent setback, the Timberwolves can secure a top-six spot with a win over the Jazz. They could even climb to fourth if both Denver and the Clippers lose.
The Warriors need a win to guarantee a top-six finish. They can’t fall below seventh, ensuring at least a home game in the play-in tournament.
Memphis is locked into the play-in but could move up to seventh if Minnesota loses. They’ll either travel to Golden State or host Minnesota.
The Kings control their destiny for the final play-in spots. A win over Phoenix or a Dallas loss will secure them a home game in the 9-10 play-in matchup.
Eastern Conference: All Set for the Playoffs
Unlike the West, the Eastern Conference has all its playoff spots locked in. Here’s how the standings look:
- 1. Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2. Boston Celtics
- 3. New York Knicks
- 4. Indiana Pacers
- 5. Milwaukee Bucks
- 6. Detroit Pistons
- 7. Orlando Magic
- 8. Atlanta Hawks
- 9. Chicago Bulls
- 10. Miami Heat
Draft Lottery Standings: Who’s in the Running?
As the regular season wraps up, the draft lottery standings are also taking shape. Here’s a look at the teams vying for the top pick:
- 1/2. Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards
- 3. Charlotte Hornets
- 4. New Orleans Pelicans
- 5. Philadelphia 76ers
- 6. Brooklyn Nets
- 7. Toronto Raptors
- 8. San Antonio Spurs
Both teams are tied for the worst record at 17-64. A coin flip will determine their final lottery positions if they remain tied.
The Philadelphia 76ers are particularly impacted, as they are locked into the fifth spot. If their pick falls to No. 7 or lower, it will go to the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a previous trade.
As we head into the final day of the regular season, the excitement is palpable. With so much still undecided, fans are in for a thrilling conclusion to the NBA’s regular season. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds!
Originally Written by: Tim Bontemps
