A Western Conference Play-In Tournament update entering the final two days of the NBA’s regular season.
Heading into the final weekend of the regular season, there is still much that remains unresolved when it comes to the NBA Playoff picture. Even more so when it comes to the bottom of the playoff standings.
We know the four teams that will be participating in the Tournament. And who will be playing who. The Western conference Play-In Tournament bracket is much more resolved than it is in the Eastern Conference.
In the West, here is how the Play-In Tournament looks heading into the final two days of the regular season:
7th seed – Minnesota Timberwolves
8th seed – LA Clippers
9th seed – New Orleans Pelicans
10th seed – San Antonio Spurs
As it currently stands, the Pelicans and Spurs would have to win two games to earn the 8th seed and the Wolves and Clippers would essentially have to win one game to earn a 7th or 8th seed.
At least from a playoff perspective in the West, the interesting storyline here is which team enters the playoffs as the 7th seed. No one truly wants to make the playoffs as the 8th seed as the Phoenix Suns have been an absolute buzzsaw this season.
However, securing a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2 vs. 7 slot would be quite interesting. Especially for a team as talented as the Wolves or as veteran-laden as the Clippers.
Even though the Grizzlies would still be heavily favored in any of those series, it could provide some theater. Especially if you buy into the narrative of the inexperienced team with high expectations.
Either way, it seems as if things are settling in the Western Conference in terms of the playoff picture. The NBA Play-In Tournament is set, now it’s all about seeding.