Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

NBA Western Conference Playoff Picture- How many spots are still up for grabs in the Western Conference?

Western Conference is delivering drama in the final week of the season.

Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The 2024-25 NBA regular season is in its final week and all the teams are fighting out for the playoffs. The situation is more complicated in the Western Conference where each matchup will play a big role in the playoff seeding.

Currently, two teams have assured their places in the NBA postseason. The Oklahoma City Thunder has locked up the top seed in the West for the second straight season. The Houston Rockets have also clinched the playoff spot and they are likely to finish at the second spot. If Houston defeats Los Angeles at Crypto.com Arena this week, they will confirm the second spot in the West.

Also Read: 2025 WNBA Draft – What is the WNBA Draft Order for 2025?

How many spots are still up for grabs in the Western Conference?

Western Conference is delivering drama in the final week of the season. As we mentioned earlier, the Thunder and the Rockets have confirmed the top two spots. Now actual drama starts for the remaining four spots. Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors are fighting for the third seed. Other teams are battling out for the play-in spots. Here is the quick scenario for all the teams who are in contention.

Here are the teams who are still in contention for the potential playoffs in the West: (As per Apr. 7)

Los Angeles Lakers (48-30)
Denver Nuggets (47-32)
Los Angeles Clippers (46-32)
Golden State Warriors (46-32)
Minnesota Timberwolves (46-32)
Memphis Grizzlies (46-32)
Sacramento Kings (39-40)
Dallas Mavericks (38-41)

The Lakers went 5-5 through the last ten games and their win in the opener of a two-game set against the Thunder gave them a slight advantage. LeBron and Co. require two more wins in their final four games to claim the No. 3 seed. If they win at least one game, they will qualify for the playoffs.

Several playoff scenarios tonight in the NBA:

– CLE clinches East 1-seed with a win

– LAL clinch playoff spot with win; Can clinch Pacific Division with win AND losses by LAC, GSW

– SAC clinches play-in spot with PHX loss
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) April 8, 2025

The Denver Nuggets’ 3-7 run in the last ten games has snatched the No. 3 seeding from them but Jokic and Co. are well ahead in the playoffs. They are projected to finish at number four at the end of the regular season. Coming off a four-game losing streak, Denver needs a couple of wins to claim the playoff ticket.

Also Read: 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament Odds, Structure, Schedule and Playoffs Favorites- Riveting 7-10 seed battle, West has a sizzling race from top to bottom

Golden State Warriors have changed the narrative since trading Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. They have gone through a perfect comeback but the situation is complicated for the final two spots. Tie-breaker rule may decide the top six spots in the West. The Clippers, the Warriors, the Timberwolves and the Grizzlies are tied on 46-32.

Here are the key matchups which will decide the top-six standings in the West:

Thunder host Lakers on Tuesday
Clippers host Rockets on Wednesday
Grizzlies host Timberwolves on Thursday
Lakers host Rockets on Friday

Rockets and Lakers have two crucial matchups which will surely affect the playoff seeding. Meanwhile, there is a different fight for the Play-In tournament in the West.

The fight for the Play-In spots heats up

The schedule for the 2025 @SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament ⬇️

More information will be provided as it is finalized. pic.twitter.com/AzHg5r9eeE
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 2, 2025

The Phoenix Suns were alive in the Play-In tournament and required to win their final four games this week. However, they failed in their first attempt after losing to the Warriors. Kevin Durant and Co. are officially eliminated.

On the other side, the Dallas Mavericks have gone 5-5 in the last ten and the Sacramento Kings won three straight games. Both teams are likely to take the remaining two spots for the Play-In tournament. Meanwhile, Sacramento will take on teams like the Nuggets, Clippers and Pistons. The race to Play-in Tournament could come down to the final days.

Also Read: Lakers: Decisions Coming on Two-Way Contracts

Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Gulshan Sharma

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.