One-sentence progress reports for all 30 NBA teams as they enter the home stretch
By Cal Durrett
Pacific Division
Los Angeles Lakers: While the Lakers have the fifth toughest remaining schedule in the NBA, they're 9-4 in their last 13 games and the sinking Jazz all but guarantees they'll make the play-in tournament at the very least.
Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers' early-season gamble to acquire James Harden has worked out surprisingly well and they have the fifth-best record in the NBA since January 1st.
Golden State Warriors: The Warriors are beginning to get healthy and play well at the right time and with Chris Paul back and one of the easiest remaining schedules, they could climb in the standings.
Sacramento Kings: Last season, the Kings set the NBA record for the highest offensive rating in league history but they are barely above-average on that end this year and they may be a play-in team after finishing third in the West in 2022–23.
Phoenix Suns: It may have taken some time, but the Suns are beginning to look like a playoff team, but they are 3 games ahead of the Lakers for the 10th seed and they have the toughest remaining schedule, so we'll soon see just how good they are.