Introduction
The NBA season is quickly approaching its end and playoff spots are up for grabs. Fans want to know how many games are left in the season and which teams are in contention for the post-season. The importance of keeping track of the remaining games cannot be emphasized enough since it can determine the fate of every team’s season. This article analyzes the current playoff picture and schedules of top teams in the NBA.
Playoff Standings
The playoff picture in the Eastern and Western Conferences has begun to take shape but is still fluid. In the Eastern Conference, the bucks take the top seed with the Nets and 76ers close behind. In the Western Conference, the Suns hold the top seed followed by the Jazz and the Clippers. There are several teams on the bubble, trying to clinch the last few playoff spots in both conferences. The Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Atlanta Hawks in the East while the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors in the West are among the few teams trying to make the cut.
Implications of Remaining Schedule
The remaining schedules for each NBA team is a crucial factor that determines their performance in the playoffs. Teams with easier schedules can book a place while others may struggle to make it to the playoffs. The strength of their opponents, the frequency of home vs. away games, and the rest days between games go a long way in determining teams’ fate. For example, the Lakers have a tough schedule with games against the LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Portland Trail Blazers. However, teams like the Utah Jazz and Philadelphia 76ers have relatively easier schedules in their remaining games. It is essential to predict which teams are likely to improve their playoff seeding and which may slip out of contention based on their remaining schedule.
Key Matchups to Watch
The games that come up in the next few days will play a crucial role in shaping up the playoff picture. The showdowns between the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets, and the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers will determine who will obtain those remaining Eastern Conference playoff spots. In the Western Conference, the upcoming match between the Denver Nuggets and the LA Lakers will have an enormous impact on the playoffs as the Lakers are fighting to secure a playoff spot.
Conclusion
The race to the playoffs is heating up, and every win counts. The remaining games give teams an opportunity to either make it or break it in the playoffs. Although there are several teams on the bubble, the top seeds in both the conferences have begun to fall in place. The NBA playoff picture is incredibly fluid, and it is essential to keep an eye on the remaining schedules and key matchups to predict which teams are likely to make it to the playoffs. Fans can stay up to date on the NBA playoff picture by visiting the official NBA website or following sports analysts covering the games.