The NBA West playoff image remains to be unclear. Each staff has round 15 video games left to play within the 2022-23 season, but 13 out of 15 groups within the convention have an opportunity to make it to the playoffs.
The league’s play-in system permits groups with the Tenth-best file in every convention to make the playoffs. Due to this, it should take a minimum of 10 more video games to get a greater take a look at the playoff image.
This article will check out the newest standings within the Western Conference. We’ll additionally see which groups have the perfect probability to advance to the playoffs.
The West playoff image remains to be very unclear within the NBA
As of March 12, solely the Denver Nuggets have a transparent lead over their opponents. The Nuggets are at the moment 46-21, 5.5 video games forward of the Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies.
These three groups will in all probability end as the highest three seeds within the West. The Grizzlies have the second-easiest remaining schedule of the season, which ought to profit them. However, they are going to be with out Ja Morant for a minimum of two more video games.
The Phoenix Suns, who at the moment occupy the fourth spot within the convention, are solely 3.5 video games forward of the highest play-in spot. In reality, the West playoff image is so difficult that 10 groups are inside solely 5 video games of one another.
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Only the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets have been eradicated from playoff rivalry to date. Every different staff has an opportunity to make it to the postseason, which is why each single sport counts.
Here are the West standings as of March 12:
The Nuggets have a transparent lead for the highest seed, whereas the Kings and Grizzlies will battle for the second seed. Almost each different spot within the convention is up for grabs.
West playoff image projections
The Phoenix Suns have the second-toughest schedule by the tip of the season and might fall out of the West playoff image. They can be with out Kevin Durant for just a few more weeks, so it will not be shocking in the event that they fall to the seventh or eighth spot.
The LA Clippers, then again, have one of many best schedules. This can also be the case with the LA Lakers, who’ve the third-easiest remaining schedule. Despite lacking LeBron James, the Lakers will possible keep within the playoff image.
The Utah Jazz, who’re at the moment within the last play-in spot, have the hardest schedule of the season. With 15 video games left to play, they are going to possible drop down within the standings. The Jazz could also be surpassed by the OKC Thunder or the New Orleans Pelicans.
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The play-in scenario within the West can be very attention-grabbing. While it is exhausting to appropriately predict who will play within the event, we count on to see the Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, and whichever staff surpassed the Jazz.
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