NBA: 10 Thoughts As The Stretch Run Begins

Feb 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Golden State Warriors won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Golden State Warriors won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Golden State Warriors won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Golden State Warriors won 119-108. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

10 storylines to keep an eye on as the NBA’s final playoff push gets underway

With a month and half left in the 2016-17 NBA season, teams are preparing for three things – the championship run, the fight to the death to just make the playoffs or the draft.

Teams have a little over 20 games left, so for the most part teams know where they will end up when the season ends. However, there’s still lots to play for in terms of seeding in both conferences.

The Kevin Durant injury leaves Golden State vulnerable for the No. 1 seed in the West. The Celtics are only a few games back of the Cleveland Cavaliers for the No. 1 seed in the East. And then, there are the intense races for the 8th seeds in both conferences.

There is no shortage of intrigue heading into the stretch run of the NBA season. Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind as it all unfolds.