The end of the NBA’s regular season is just three days away, but the playoff picture is still coming together.
While the Western Conference playoff teams are set, seeding is still being determined. Meanwhile, in the East, five teams are still fighting for the final two playoff spots.
After Thursday’s contest between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, here’s a look at the updated standings.
It’s fair to say at this point that the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs have looked the most like Finals contenders in the West. The defending champs have been dominant all year, which was largely expected, and few would be surprised if they cruised back to the Finals this year.
The Spurs were expected to improve, but perhaps not this much. Led by MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio appears to be one of the most complete teams in the league. The only knock against the Spurs is their age and lack of experience.
From there, it’s hard to pinpoint which teams could make it out of the West. The squad with the biggest question mark is the Lakers, who are currently without Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique). If the star backcourt is back by the first round, Los Angeles is capable of making a title run.
If they aren’t back, it’s hard to envision a 41-year-old LeBron James leading the Lakers to a playoff series win.
In the East, the Detroit Pistons have secured the No. 1 seed, but perhaps aren’t the favorites to make it to the Finals. As good as Detroit has been, it might be a bit too early in the rebuild to win a title, like the Thunder two seasons ago.
The Boston Celtics have emerged as the new frontrunner in the East since Jayson Tatum’s return, which seemed inconceivable 11 months ago. Still, the New York Knicks should give them a run for their money if the two teams meet, which is a very likely outcome.
