NBA: Battle for the Final Spot in the Western Conference
By Drew Clark
Barring a collapse (could occur in Memphis), the seventh spot in the NBA’s Western Conference is 5.5 games ahead of the eight seed. After that, the teams in spots 8-15 are separated by just five games. Who are the best candidates to get swept, I mean play the one seed in the first round?
Much of the NBA’s Western Conference lore this season has been about the Golden State Warriors with new arrival Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook’s triple doubles. Recently, James Harden is gaining traction on Russ in the MVP race with insane performances as he leads an insane Rockets offense that features four of the top 10 players in three-pointers made.
The LA Clippers made early storylines with their hot start, but have simmered down to the four seed with Blake Griffin injured and have the likes of Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder threatening for their spot. The Jazz are finally healthy and playing up to their potential after a couple years of people talking about their potential.
The San Antonio Spurs are continuing to do Spurs things. No one seems to be talking about them, but they are only two games back from the Warriors and own a significant victory over them on opening night.
The Memphis Grizzlies are in the seventh spot currently, and have battled their fair share of injuries early but still remain afloat currently. Marc Gasol and Mike Conley have been balling per usual. They have lost six of their last 10 games, but remain 5.5 games ahead of the Sacramento Kings in the eighth seed.
Although pretty much every other team has a mathematical shot at the eighth seed, this will only highlight a few of them that some consider have a legitimate chance.