NBA's Intense Playoff Race: Tiebreaker Scenarios as Teams Battle for Final Positions
With only one game left in the season, the playoff picture in the Western Conference is shaping up with multiple teams vying for a chance.
As the NBA playoffs approach, the situation in the Western Conference is heating up as teams prepare for their last matches of the regular season. Currently, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers are secured at the top three spots in the playoffs, with other teams still up for contention.
With just one day remaining, five teams from the Western Conference are fighting with either 32 or 33 losses. Below is an overview of how the playoff picture looks and what various teams need to secure their spots:
Playoff Chances Overview
| Team | Record | Probability (Top 6) |
|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | 49-32 | 65% |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 49-32 | 81% |
| Golden State Warriors | 48-33 | 62% |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 48-33 | 93% |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 47-34 | NA |
Tiebreaker Conditions
In cases of tie, the tied teams will follow a series of tiebreakers starting from head-to-head results, followed by division records, conference records, and so on.
Team Breakdown
-
Denver Nuggets (49-32)
- Regular Game: @ Rockets (Sunday, 3:30 PM ET)
- Must win for a top seed.
-
Los Angeles Clippers (49-32)
- Regular Game: @ Warriors (Sunday, 3:30 PM ET)
- Aiming for a strong finish to avoid a lower seed.
-
Golden State Warriors (48-33)
- Regular Game: vs. Clippers (Sunday, 3:30 PM ET)
-
Minnesota Timberwolves (48-33)
- Regular Game: vs. Jazz (Sunday, 3:30 PM ET)
-
Memphis Grizzlies (47-34)
- Regular Game: vs. Mavericks (Sunday, 3:30 PM ET)
With critical matchups set for this weekend, the playoff stakes are higher than ever, showcasing thrilling competition among these Western teams. Continue following CBS Sports for the latest updates.
