Last Monday five spots were still up for grabs in the Western Conference playoff picture. Well on Friday April 4th the Minnesota Timberwolves, got the playoff door shut in their face despite winning a double overtime thriller against the east’s top seed the Miami Heat. The Houston Rockets secured their spots in the big dance on Friday while Portland didn’t get their ticket stamped until the Sunday with a win over the New Orlean Pelicans.
Now with just spots six, seven, and eight still up for grabs between the Warriors, Suns, Mavericks, and Grizzlies. All four teams are within three games of each other and going into the last week and a half of the season NBA fans are in for great finish.
Well on Sunday April 6th all four teams played leaving these results on the schedule and standings.
Suns beat Thunder 122-115.
Warriors beat Jazz 130-102
Mavericks beat Kings 93-91
Spurs beat Grizzlies 112-92
Suns have five games left @NO, @DAL, @SA, vs.MEM, @SAC
Warriors have five games left vs.DEN, @LAL @POR @ vs.MIN, @DEN
Mavericks have four games left @UTAH vs.SA, vs.PHX, @MEM
Grizzlies have five games left vs.MIA, vs.PHI, @LAL, @PHX, vs.DAL
Now I know the Warriors have still been avoiding this whole missing the playoffs talk but could rust play a factor into their game with Denver this Thursday after a 4 day rest? To top that off Denver always shows up to play when they’re in the same building as Golden State and that situation occurs twice in their last five games.
Phoenix still looks to be the odd team out going by their schedule but they’re on a impressive two game win streak after letting a 4th quarter lead disappear lead to a loss against the Clippers last Wednesday. This whole team has been playing magnificent basketball and Bledsoe is still underperforming in my opinion. If this team can flourish with a underperforming Bledsoe then when he finally turns the corner (which is hopefully soon) the Western Conference better be scared. Even if their schedule is road heavy they should find a way to come with one of the three available seeds.
Dallas has four games left but I think they’re pretty much a lock too. Dirk has dropped 24 ppg and 7.8 rbg in his last five contests. His veteran will combined with Vince Carters will be all they need to get them over this hump. Dallas also might get a break when the play San Antonio. Coach Pop is known for resting his older core especially with his team sitting on top of the Western Conference.
The Memphis Grizzlies have the most favorable games down the stretch that don’t include the teams listed above. I’m going with them being the odd team out because I see them being the team to lose the head to head bouts with Dallas and Phoenix. Randolph and Gasol did all they could but in the Western Conference that just wont cut the cake.
Last update on the Western Conference playoff race coming next Monday.
