The Western Conference standings are in constant flux as the NBA season nears its conclusion. With just over a month remaining before the play-in tournament, teams are battling for optimal positioning.
Western Conference Playoff Race Heats Up
Outside of the top two teams, the Western Conference standings are changing daily. Teams are jockeying for position as the playoffs approach next month.
The San Antonio Spurs are using their longest homestand of the season to prepare for the playoffs. They are testing themselves against contending teams with different styles and personnel.
So far, San Antonio is passing with flying colours. They have wins over Detroit, a 25-point comeback victory over the LA Clippers and a 25-point trouncing of in-state rival Houston.
Key Western Conference Teams
The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming off a convincing win over the Denver Nuggets. The San Antonio Spurs continue to rule the Western Conference.
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs’ tests continue after a big win on Tuesday over the Boston Celtics. The Spurs close out their homestand this week hosting the Denver Nuggets on Thursday before a Saturday matchup against the surging Charlotte Hornets.
Thunder’s Mitchell Returns From Injury
The return of Ajay Mitchell was lost in the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fireworks show on Monday night against the Nuggets.
Mitchell had missed 20 games because of both oblique and ankle injuries. He looked every bit himself in 29 productive bench minutes, scoring 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting with an array of slick drives and self-created pull-ups.
Mitchell could be one of the most important reserves in the next few months, especially as Jalen Williams tries to ease back into the lineup after a recurring hamstring problem.
With a little over a month to go ahead of the play-in tournament, here are this week’s NBA Power Rankings.