NBA: Predicting how the 2017-18 season will play out

SAN ANTONIO,TX – JANUARY 23 : Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs gives instruction to teammates during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at AT&T Center on January 23, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

The Spurs will finish in the bottom 3 of the West playoff picture

Now that we know Kawhi Leonard likely won’t return to the San Antonio Spurs lineup for the remainder of the season, I expect the team to fall down the West standings a bit.

The Spurs won’t entirely fall out of the playoffs, but they will finish in the bottom 3 of the playoff teams in the West. San Antonio has done a great job hanging in the top 3 of the West, but the feel-good story is about to change.

Gregg Popovich can only do so much, no matter how great of a coach he is.