The Western Conference is providing one the greatest playoff races in NBA history.
Only 6 games are separated between the top nine teams in the west, and every team is jockeying for playoff position. One win could put a team in first place, but a few losses can easily push a team out of the playoffs.
It time to take a look at what each team needs to do to make the playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers (45-20)
10 home games
7 road games
Remaining Notable Opponents: Rockets, Hornets, Jazz, Spurs, Mavericks twice, Warriors twice
The Lakers were sentimental favorites to win the championship. Without Pau Gasol, however, the team will struggle just trying to secure a top playoff spot.
The Lakers clearly missed Gasol’s interior presence in their loss against the Hornets Friday night. Having to rely heavily on perimeter shooting, the team shot only 38 percent and hit only nine of 30 three-point attempts. The lack of interior defense allowed the Hornets to shoot 48 percent and hit 11 of 24 three-point attempts. The Hornets’ big men David West and Tyson Chandler were able to score 26 points and grab 34 rebounds.
There is no mercy in the NBA, and teams are breathing down the Lakers’ necks. The Lakers currently have a share of first place, but are only ahead of the eighth place Warriors by four and a half games. If Gasol’s injury is serious, a short losing streak could easily push the Lakers into bottom four of the playoff standings, and maybe out of the playoffs.
Houston Rockets (45-20)
7 home games
10 road games
Remaining Notable Opponents: Celtics, Lakers, Hornets, Jazz, Spurs, Suns twice, Warriors, Nuggets
At one point in the season, the Rockets were 24-20 and were in tenth in the west. 21 consecutive wins later, the Rockets are sitting atop of the Western Conference, showing they should be a major playoff contender.
Winning 21 consecutive games is an incredible accomplishment and merits recognition. Their true test comes this week, when they go on a brutal five game stretch against the Lakers, Celtics, Hornets, Warriors and the Suns. The Rockets will have trouble keeping the streak alive, but if the Rockets can win at least three games, it would silence any remaining critics questioning if they are a legitimate playoff team.
The Rockets could easily lose the next five games, but Tracy McGrady and his team are playing at an extremely high level, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they easily sweep through the NBA’s elite teams.
New Orleans Hornets (44-20)
7 home games
11 road games
Remaining Notable Opponents: Celtics twice, Pistons, Lakers, Jazz, Mavericks, Rockets, Warriors, Magic, Cavaliers
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