Thursday’s NBA Slate Holds Massive Implications For Western Conference Standings

We’re getting into the ultimate weeks of the 2023-24 NBA common season, and the playoff races in each conferences are beginning to warmth up. Within the East, the Celtics have taken a commanding and seemingly insurmountable lead, however there are 5 groups separated by a complete of simply two video games in the course of the pack, which means that the seeding races will not be determined till the ultimate couple of days.

NBA Standings Might Shake Up After Thursday’s Motion

Simply in: Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Karl-Anthony Cities has been recognized with a torn meniscus in his left knee and is out indefinitely, sources inform @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/JlPe73PnN9

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 7, 2024

Issues are much more compact within the different convention. The West has its definitive high groups as effectively, as there are 4 groups that at present have a sensible shot at being the #1 seed. The Timberwolves and Thunder have been vying for place all season lengthy, and the Nuggets and Clippers are firmly within the combine as effectively. As for the remainder of the Western Standings, simply 4 video games at present separate the fifth by Tenth seeds.

Every contest will likely be impactful from right here on out as groups strategy the 20-games-remaining mark, and there’ll possible be some transferring and shifting on Thursday evening primarily based on the scheduled slate.

The Timberwolves have an opportunity to take the general lead out West if they’re able to defeat the Pacers on the street. Minnesota is at present tied with OKC with a 43-19 file, each one sport up on Denver. However Minny caught wind of some powerful information on Thursday morning, because it was introduced that gifted large man Karl-Anthony Cities can be out indefinitely with a meniscus damage.

The Nuggets will play in what many are anticipating to be an NBA Finals preview after they go to the Celtics, and would discover themselves in a tie for first ought to they win and the Timberwolves lose.

Simply 2.5 Video games Separate All Play-In Groups In The West

The Warriors and the Lakers have traded Ninth-Tenth spots SIX occasions previously 10 days. pic.twitter.com/UC5Wq8fnhp

— WarriorsMuse (@WarriorsMuse) March 7, 2024

There are additionally large implications for the present Play-In groups within the West. Simply 2.5 video games separate the seventh seeded Kings and the Tenth seeded Lakers, and three of the 4 groups will likely be in motion tonight. The Mavericks will tackle the Warmth within the early window on TNT, and the Warriors will look to win the second of a back-to-back after they tackle the Bulls. The up-and-down Kings will face off towards Victor Wembanyama and the lowly Spurs.

The Suns, who’re at present within the idol sixth spot, will tackle the Raptors. Phoenix is a heavy favourite at -10.5, however they might see themselves within the Play-In vary ought to they undergo an upset.