The Eastern Conference playoff field has been determined. Meanwhile, the Western Conference is almost settled as well, with only two spots remaining.
Lottery Locks
- Philadelphia 76ers (10-70) A lot of folks in Philly are mad that Sam Hinkie was nudged off the throne, but “the Process” was boxed in by drafting too many traditional big men. With that being said, the Sixers shouldn’t be censoring fans who want to pay homage to Hinkie.
- Los Angeles Lakers (16-64) Kobe Bryant’s career is coming to an end this week with games against the Thunder and Jazz. Whether you hate him or love him, there may never be a closer cloning of Michael Jordan in NBA history.
- Brooklyn Nets (21-59) Losers of eight straight, Danny Ainge is laughing his way to lottery night.
- Phoenix Suns (22-58) Sadly, these late-season wins could come back to haunt the Suns.
- Minnesota Timberwolves (28-52) Beating the Warriors and Trail Blazers has to feel good for this up-and-coming bunch.
- New Orleans Pelicans (30-50) While the Pels let Philadelphia avoid tying the worst record in NBA history, having the sixth-best odds to win the lottery and a 21.5 percent chance of top-3 isn’t so bad.
- New York Knicks (32-49) Dear, Phil: I’ll keep this short. Please don’t hire Kurt Rambis.
- Sacramento Kings (32-48) The Kings have played their final game at Sleep Train Arena. Let’s hope this helps to wake up the front office.
- Denver Nuggets (33-48) Nikola Jokic and Emmanuel Mudiay keep improving, and they are providing reason for optimism in Colorado.
- Milwaukee Bucks (33-47) Khris Middleton returned from a thigh injury Sunday to stomp out the 76ers’ hopes of winning their final home game.
- Orlando Magic (34-45) After missing most of March with a groin injury, Nikola Vucevic has been dominant since returning to the lineup.
- Washington Wizards (39-41) Despite already being eliminated from playoff contention, the Wizards played with a lot of pride in Sunday’s matinee showing versus Charlotte.
- Chicago Bulls (40-40) If recent reports that Chicago prefers to keep Joakin Noah instead of Pau Gasol prove true this offseason, the Bulls defense could bounce back strong next season.
Western Conference Playoff Picture
- Dallas Mavericks (41-39) Dirk and Big D clinches a playoff spot with a win against either Utah or San Antonio OR if Houston loses one of its last two games. Even if Dallas goes down tonight, San Antonio could rest its starters on Wednesday.
- Utah Jazz (40-40) Utah earned a solid short-handed win behind Trey Lyles’ career-high 22 points and four triples on Sunday versus the Nuggets. A win against the Mavericks plus a Rockets loss against the Timberwolves on Monday clinches Utah’s spot in the postseason. The Jazz control their destiny, though: two wins and they are in.
- Houston Rockets (39-41) Harden and Houston own the tiebreaker versus Utah, but the Rockets’ slip-ups versus Dallas and Phoenix this week could cost them. Unless the Jazz lose out, the Rockets probably need to win out. Right now, Basketball-reference.com gives Houston an 18.4 percent chance of making the playoffs.
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