The NBA West playoff image remains to be unclear. Every workforce 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 report in every convention to make the playoffs. On account of this, it’ll take no less than 10 extra video games to get a greater take a look at the playoff image.
This text will check out the most recent standings within the Western Convention. We’ll additionally see which groups have one of the best 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. Nonetheless, they are going to be with out Ja Morant for no less than two extra 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. Actually, the West playoff image is so sophisticated that 10 groups are inside solely 5 video games of one another.
You might be curious about studying: LeBron James’ factors per sport in 2022-23 may be his finest ever: So why are the LA Lakers nonetheless thirteenth within the West and the way do they enhance?
Solely the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets have been eradicated from playoff rivalry up to now. Each different workforce has an opportunity to make it to the postseason, which is why each single sport 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 battle 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 tip of the season and should fall out of the West playoff image. They are going to be with out Kevin Durant for a number of extra weeks, so it will not be stunning 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 at the moment within the remaining 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.
You might be curious about studying: How a lot do the LA Clippers must pay in luxurious tax funds after buying Russell Westbrook? A more in-depth take a look at their funds
The play-in scenario within the West will likely be very fascinating. Whereas it is exhausting to accurately predict who will play within the event, we count on to see the Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, and whichever workforce surpassed the Jazz.