Western Conference Standings and Playoff Picture
1. Denver Nuggets (50-24)
2. Memphis Grizzlies (47-27), 3.0 GB
3. Sacramento Kings (45-29), 5.0 GB
4. Phoenix Suns (39-35), 11.0 GB
5. Los Angeles Clippers (39-36), 11.5 GB
6. Golden State Warriors (39-37), 12.0 GB
Play-in tournament
7. Minnesota Timberwolves (38-37), 12.5 GB
8. New Orleans Pelicans (37-37), 13.0 GB
9. Los Angeles Lakers (37-38), 13.5 GB
10. Oklahoma City Thunder (37-38), 14.5 GB
11. Dallas Mavericks (36-39), 14.5 GB
12. Utah Jazz (35-39), 15.0 GB
13. Portland Trail Blazers (32-42), 18.0 GB
14. San Antonio Spurs (19-56), 31.5 GB
15. Houston Rockets (18-57), 32.5 GB
Playoff Predictions
The Spurs and Rockets have officially been eliminated, and Portland is slowly heading there as they’re likely to shut down their starters soon. The Nuggets and Grizzlies have clinched their divisions but that doesn’t guarantee a playoff berth anymore.
The big news is the Mavericks falling to 11th place after a four-game losing streak and the Thunder still maintaining a chance at the postseason. Only a combined four games separate the No. 4 spot from the No. 12 spot, so even a small losing streak could end someone’s playoff chances.
The other storyline to monitor is Sacramento likely ending its postseason drought. The Kings are in a great position at the moment and can likely solidify their position within the week.
Eastern Conference Standings and Playoff Picture
1. Milwaukee Bucks (53-21)
2. Boston Celtics (52-23), 1.5 GB
3. Philadelphia 76ers (49-25), 4.0 GB
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (48-28), 6.0 GB
5. New York Knicks (42-33), 11.5 GB
6. Brooklyn Nets (40-35), 13.5 GB
Play-in tournament
7. Miami Heat (40-35), 13.5 GB
8. Atlanta Hawks (37-38), 16.5 GB
9. Toronto Raptors (37-38), 16.5 GB
10. Chicago Bulls (36-38), 17.0 GB
11. Indiana Pacers (33-42), 20.5 GB
12. Washington Wizards (33-42), 20.5 GB
13. Orlando Magic (32-43), 21.5 GB
14. Charlotte Hornets (25-51), 29.0 GB
15. Detroit Pistons (16-58), 37.0 GB
Playoff Predictions
The Pacers and Wizards are unlikely to catch the Bulls at No. 10, so we’ve likely got our field in the East. The Bucks, Celtics, 76ers and Cavaliers are all in the playoffs, but there’s some seeding questions.
The best battle will be between the Nets and Heat for the No. 6 spot, which is the last automatic playoff slot. The Heat lost to the Nets Saturday, but both teams are inconsistent so a couple losses here or there will make the difference. There could be some movement within the play-in tournament but the East playoff field is largely determined.
