The NBA West playoff image remains to be unclear. Every 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. As a result of this, it would take at the least 10 extra video games to get a greater take a look at the playoff image.
This text will check out the newest standings within the Western Convention. We’ll additionally see which groups have the perfect likelihood 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 presently 46-21, 5.5 video games forward of the Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies.
These three groups will most likely 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. Nonetheless, they are going to be with out Ja Morant for at the least two extra video games.
The Phoenix Suns, who presently occupy the fourth spot within the convention, are solely 3.5 video games forward of the highest play-in spot. Actually, the West playoff image is so sophisticated that 10 groups are inside solely 5 video games of one another.
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Solely the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets have been eradicated from playoff rivalry thus far. Each different staff has an opportunity to make it to the postseason, which is why each single recreation counts.
Listed below are the West standings as of March 12:
The Nuggets have a transparent lead for the highest seed, whereas the Kings and Grizzlies will struggle for the second seed. Virtually each different spot within the convention is up for grabs.
West playoff image projections
The Phoenix Suns have the second-toughest schedule by the top of the season and will fall out of the West playoff image. They are going to be with out Kevin Durant for a couple of extra weeks, so it will not be shocking in the event that they fall to the seventh or eighth spot.
The LA Clippers, however, have one of many best schedules. That is additionally the case with the LA Lakers, who’ve the third-easiest remaining schedule. Regardless of lacking LeBron James, the Lakers will seemingly keep within the playoff image.
The Utah Jazz, who’re presently within the last play-in spot, have the hardest schedule of the season. With 15 video games left to play, they are going to seemingly 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 state of affairs within the West can be very fascinating. Whereas it is exhausting to appropriately predict who will play within the event, we anticipate to see the Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, and whichever staff surpassed the Jazz.