NBA: The long-term impact of the 2018 Western Conference playoff race

NBA: The potential long-term impact of the 2018 Western Conference playoff race

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 25: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during their game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on January 25, 2018 in Oakland, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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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) /

San Antonio Spurs

Record: 37-28 (5th)

The fact that the San Antonio Spurs have been this competitive without the services of Kawhi Leonard for virtually the whole season has been a testament to the consistency and excellence of this organization. That said, the Spurs are in real danger of missing the playoffs this year. They have really struggled recently and their schedule down the stretch is going to be brutal.

Missing the playoffs would end a 20-year playoff streak that saw the Spurs win 50 games in all but one season (37-13 in the 98/99 lockout year). Combine missing the playoffs with the increasingly strange Kawhi situation and it could possibly be the end of the Spurs as we know them.

(Honestly, if the Spurs miss the playoffs, they will probably end up winning the lottery with the worst odds and be just fine.)