The 2014-15 NBA regular season is coming down to the wire, and as always, the last few games of the 82-game season could have major playoff implications in terms of seeding. In the East, four teams are in the running for the final two playoff spots, but rather than focus on first round fodder for the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers, our attention is fixated out West.
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There’s a good chance we already know who the eight Western playoff teams will be, unless the Oklahoma City Thunder can go 2-0 from here (which they might, since the NBA rescinded the technical foul that would have suspended him tonight). But if the Pelicans win their last game, they’re in and the playoff field is set.
What we don’t know is what our first round matchups will look like.
As of right now, half a game separates the second seed in the West from the sixth seed. The Portland Trail Blazers are guaranteed a top-four seed by virtue of winning the Northwest Division, but there are four teams vying for the second and third seeds in the conference.
The other two will have to settle for fifth and sixth, though fifth will have home court advantage in the first round against Portland since that is determined by superior record and the Blazers won’t be catching any of their potential first round opponents.
With the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets all competing for the No. 2 seed in the West, who will emerge victorious? In order to get a clearer playoff picture, here’s a look at how it could all shake out.
Next: Remaining Schedules