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Let’s look at the upcoming schedules of each team and identify their key players down the stretch:
Houston Rockets (52-27)
The Rockets need just one win — or one Lakers loss — to secure the No. 2 seed. Back-to-back wins over the Thunder and Warriors showcased one of the league’s best defenses. Houston matched OKC’s two-big lineup by starting Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams in Friday’s win over the Thunder. After a lull in February, the Rockets have won 15 of 17 and will make their first playoff appearance since 2020.
X-Factor, Amen Thompson: Thompson is already arguably the league’s best perimeter defender. He made life difficult on MVP-favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, forcing the Thunder guard into difficult shots without fouling (10-for-22, one made free throw, 22 points). Thompson followed up an excellent performance against SGA by holding all-time great Stephen Curry to one of the worst shooting nights of his career (1-for-10, 3 points).
Los Angeles Lakers (48-30)
It’s been an up-and-down few weeks for the Lakers. However, they have recent wins over the top-two seeds in the Western Conference and boast plenty of star power. Luka Doncic started to look like himself in a blowout win over Oklahoma City. LA and OKC are set for a rematch on Tuesday, as the Lakers need to finish 2-2 down the stretch to automatically clinch the No. 3 seed.
X-Factor, Austin Reaves: Reaves has emerged as an offensive star alongside Doncic and LeBron James. Over the last 14 games, Reaves is averaging 26.1 PPG, 5.5 APG, and 5.1 RPG while shooting lights out (52.5 FG%, 42.1 3PT%, 94.2 FT%). With teams forced to put their best defenders on Doncic and James, Reaves should take advantage of lighter coverages.
Denver Nuggets (47-32)
Five teams in the Western Conference have 32 losses entering Monday. The Nuggets have a narrow lead from the pack having played an extra game. However, they’re trending down recently. Nikola Jokic is playing out of his mind, but it hasn’t mattered. Denver suffered its fourth-straight loss Sunday in a 125-120 defeat to the Pacers. Jokic tallied 41 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists while Christian Braun added 30 points, but were unable to come away with the win. Making matters worse, Jamal Murray hasn’t played since Mar. 26 and remains out with a hamstring injury.
X-Factor, Michael Porter Jr.: The Nuggets opted to stand pat at the trade deadline despite obvious needs across the roster. The team banked on continuity and it’s not paying off. Porter Jr. would have been the name to watch in a potential trade, and he’s struggled as of late. After missing three games in February with an injury, Porter Jr. is shooting a lousy 33.6-percent from three over the last 22 games.
Los Angeles Clippers (46-32)
The Clippers have quietly crept up the standings thanks to a 14-3 stretch over their last 17 games. LA’s depth and experience make them a tough matchup on a nightly basis. Bogdan Bogdanovic has already proven to be a major midseason acqusition. Over the last 21 games, Bogdanovic is shooting 50-percent from three. The Clippers already have the tiebreaker over the Warriors and Grizzlies having gone 6-0 against them during the regular season.
X-Factor, Kawhi Leonard: Their playoff fate ultimately lies on Leonard’s shoulders. If he’s healthy, the Clippers can compete with anybody. If he’s unavailable, they’re probably a first-round exit.
Golden State Warriors (46-32)
Golden State is looking to recover quickly after a humbling loss to a young Rockets team. Curry had a dismal game, and Jimmy Butler (13 points) wasn’t much better. Still, the Warriors have been excellent since acquiring Butler. They’re 21-6 since the trade. Since the All-Star break, they’ve lost just three games when Curry is in the lineup. It helps to have one of the easier schedules down the stretch. Their next three games are against teams out of the playoff picture.
X-Factor, Brandon Podziemski: Podziemski chose an excellent time to break out of his sophomore slump. He knocked down seven threes against the Spurs to cap off March. And, he had his two best games of the season in back-to-back wins over the Lakers (28 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 8-of-10 from three) and Nuggets (26 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assist, 4-of-8 from three). His shooting and rebounding is extremely valuable for a team that loves to play small.
Minnesota Timberwolves (46-32)
X-Factor, Naz Reid: Minnesota is thin. HC Chris Finch only trusts eight players, and that number might shrink to seven in certain matchups which are unfavorable for the 37-year-old Mike Conley Jr. Reid will have to be great on both ends for it to work. He was key for them in the playoffs last year, and will be asked to provide elite shooting and good defense on the perimeter and against post players.
Memphis Grizzlies (46-32)
The Grizzlies had lost seven of eight before their recent two-game winning streak. It’s not too often you see a playoff team fire its coach with a month left in the regular season. However, the front office felt like it was a move that needed to be made. Memphis hasn’t looked right all year despite the record. They still have a chance to turn it around. A road date in Charlotte shouldn’t be too difficult, but the Grizzlies’ final three games are all against teams looking to clinch a playoff spot.
X-Factor, Desmond Bane: Bane has turned it up as of late, and had one of his best showings of the season in Memphis’ most recent win against the Pistons. He finished with 38 points and 7 rebounds on 15-of-23 shooting. They’re going to need a lot more of those performances if they want any chance of making noise in the playoffs. Especially if the current standings hold and Memphis is looking at a first-round date with the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder.
