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NBA Power Rankings: Outlook for Final Quarter of the Season

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) celebrates a three point shot with fans against the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Rockets 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) celebrates a three point shot with fans against the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Rockets 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 27, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Courtney Lee (5) during the game at FedExForum. Los Angeles Clippers beat Memphis Grizzlies 97-79. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and Memphis Grizzlies guard Courtney Lee (5) during the game at FedExForum. Los Angeles Clippers beat Memphis Grizzlies 97-79. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2014-15 NBA regular season is entering its final stretch. Teams are either closing in on or have already reached the 60-game plateau, thus leaving the final 20-to-25 games for one of two purposes.

The first option is that teams will be competing for a berth or better seeding in the playoffs. Only the Atlanta Hawks have clinched a spot in the postseason, but even they have plenty to strive towards.

The alternative is that teams will remain competitive, but be in fierce competition for the No. 1 overall draft pick. The lottery will shuffle everything up, but gaining superior odds is important for non-contenders.

The question is, what does the NBA look like entering the final quarter of the season?

Next: The Tank is On