We are approaching the business end of the 2024-25 NBA regular season. This stretch can often feel extended as fans await the playoffs, with teams focused on various outcomes, including postseason placement, the draft lottery, and more. With the trade deadline generating substantial changes, the upcoming matches hold increased significance as the regular season concludes.

Key Objectives for Each Western Conference Team

Dallas Mavericks

Goal: Get healthy The Mavericks executed a shocking trade for Luka Dončić, but now, with a handful of games left, their focus should be on getting healthy. Dallas is missing all four of its big men, including Anthony Davis, who recently suffered an adductor strain but performed well in his Mavericks debut. If they can bring back a couple of their key players, it could significantly enhance their playoff capabilities.

Denver Nuggets

Goal: Secure the No. 2 seed The Nuggets were among the hottest teams before the All-Star break and now aim to maintain their position ahead of Memphis for the No. 2 seed, critical for avoiding tougher playoff matchups.

Golden State Warriors

Goal: Stay under the radar With new addition Jimmy Butler, the Warriors find themselves in an unexpected position to surprise teams as they work their way up the standings with the talents of Stephen Curry supporting their cause.

Houston Rockets

Goal: Reintegrate their floor general The Rockets fell to fifth place mainly due to injuries to Fred VanVleet, who needs to return to stabilize and boost the team’s chances heading into the playoffs.

Los Angeles Clippers

Goal: Maintain a top-six seed Despite injuries to Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have been impressively competitive, with Norman Powell and James Harden stepping up to help secure their playoff position.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Goal: Avoid the play-in Following a disappointing season, the Timberwolves aim to climb up from the seventh seed and avoid play-in games as they look to leverage their roster’s potential.

New Orleans Pelicans

Goal: Preserve chances for the No. 1 pick Having had a challenging season, the Pelicans must position themselves for the best lottery odds, steering further from a playoff position.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Goal: Determine postseason rotation With a stronghold on the No. 1 seed, the Thunder need to finalize their playoff roster and make strategic adjustments over the next few weeks.

Phoenix Suns

Goal: Make a playoff push Despite underwhelming results, the Suns must try to reclaim a postseason spot as they’ve stumbled this season.

Portland Trail Blazers

Goal: Accumulate lottery picks As they gear towards what’s likely to be a high draft pick, the Blazers should prioritize developing their young talents to enhance future prospects.

San Antonio Spurs

Goal: Build towards future Given Victor Wembanyama’s injury, the Spurs should look toward securing a pivotal roster piece in the upcoming 2025 draft.