Dirk Nowitski's Injury Shakes Up NBA Western Conference

This is how the Western Conference ranks shaped up Sunday night:

Lakers
Hornets
Suns
Jazz
Rockets
Spurs
Mavericks
Warriors
Nuggets

The Nuggets are currently out of playoff contention by a mere game and a half.  But it's hard to tell how the seeding will change throughout the rest of the season.

The Suns have won seven straight, the Rockets are coming off a 23-game win streak, and the Spurs are starting their annual "pick up" of wins, beginning in March. 

But the ultimate Western Conference variable occurred in Sunday night's game between the Mavericks and Spurs.  Dirk Nowitski went down in the third quarter with a lower leg injury and didn't return.

Of course, Dallas felt this and lost their 12-point third quarter lead, eventually losing 88-81

Dallas, already 0-3 on a four home game stretch, are now tied in the loss column with the Warriors.  They must now fight for every win just to make the playoffs.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?