There are simply 2 weeks left in the 2022-23 NBA season, yet there are still plenty of opportunities concerning the Western Seminar playoff seeding.
The leading 3 seeds are almost secured by the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies and also Sacramento Kings, yet there is an eight-team logjam for the last 7 seeds of the playoff and also play-in photo. All 8 groups are divided by 3.5 video games. (The Utah Jazz, on the other hand, are still spending time listed below them at 1.5 video games out of the last play-in place.)
A handful of neck and neck video games in between groups in the playoff race in the coming days will certainly go a lengthy method in figuring out the last playoff photo, consisting of face-offs in between the Minnesota Timberwolves and also Los Angeles Lakers on Friday and also the LA Clippers and also New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.
Note: Throughout the routine period, our panel (Kendra Andrews, Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Nick Friedell, Andrew Lopez, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin and also Ohm Youngmisuk) is placing all 30 groups inside out, analyzing which groups are playing the most effective basketball and also which groups are looking most like title competitors.
Previous positions: Week 1|Week 2|Week 3|Week 4|Week 5|Week 6|Week 7|Week 8|Week 9|Week 10|Week 11|Week 12|Week 13|Week 14|Week 15|Week 16|Week 17|Week 18|Week 19|Week 20|Week 21|Week 22
1. Milwaukee Bucks
2022-23 document: 54-21
Previous position: 1
The Bucks will certainly hold both the Celtics and also Sixers this weekend break as Milwaukee wants to finish up home-court benefit throughout the Eastern Seminar playoffs. Khris Middleton is beginning to resemble his old self in the nick of time, balancing 20.8 factors, 7.1 aids and also 5.0 rebounds on 48% capturing and also 31.5 mins considering that returning right into the beginning schedule on March 7. — Collier
2. Boston Celtics
2022-23 document: 52-24
Previous position: 3
Any type of practical hope of passing Milwaukee for the 1-seed vanished in a loss in Washington on Tuesday evening. The only inquiry left is whether Celtics will possibly unlock for Philly, currently simply one video game back in the loss column (though Boston holds the sudden death), to assert the 2-seed. Following Tuesday’s video game in Philly in between both groups might impend big. — Bontemps
3. Denver Nuggets
2022-23 document: 51-24
Previous position: 4
The Nuggets appear to be appearing of their harsh spot of the period, grabbing gain the Bucks and also 76ers. And Also Nikola Jokic is proceeding his solid advocate his 3rd successive MVP Honor, coming to be simply the 3rd gamer in NBA background to contend the very least 10 video games in a period in which he uploads 20 factors, 15 rebounds and also 10 aids. — Andrews
4. Philadelphia 76ers
2022-23 document: 49-26
Previous position: 2
While the NBA globe was dissatisfied to lose out on the MVP face-off in between Joel Embiid and also Nikola Jokic on Monday in Denver, Philly’s objective is to have actually Embiid healthy and balanced and also all set to go when the playoffs begin in a number of weeks. It’s the same for James Harden, that might return from his Achilles discomfort Wednesday in your home versus Dallas.– Bontemps
5. Memphis Grizzlies
2022-23 document: 48-27
Previous position: 7
The Grizzlies have the organization’s lengthiest energetic winning touch at 6 video games, fifty percent of which came without All-Star guard Ja Morant, that came off the bench in his very first 2 video games after his suspension in big component due to the fact that he wished to rehabilitate right into the group without interrupting its chemistry. Morant went back to the beginning schedule in Sunday’s roadway sway the Hawks, racking up 27 factors and also making 6 aids. — MacMahon
6. Cleveland Cavaliers
2022-23 document: 48-29
Previous position: 5
Meaningful week for the Cavs. Donovan Mitchell got to 10,000 job aims the exact same week Cleveland got to the playoffs for the very first time without LeBron James considering that 1998. Bonus offer factors if you can call all 5 beginners on that particular ’98 group.– McMenamin
7. Sacramento Kings
2022-23 document: 45-30
Previous position: 6
The Kings simply can not appear to secure a playoff berth, yet they’re surrounding their very first postseason look in 17 years– the lengthiest playoff dry spell in any kind of specialist sporting activity. They have actually had a chance virtually every evening considering that Saturday, yet based upon the outcomes of their video games or others that might assist them secure, the delay needs to proceed. As well as Sacramento is obtaining restless.– Andrews
8. Phoenix Suns
2022-23 document: 40-35
Previous position: 8
Unbeaten so far with Kevin Durant in the schedule– the previous MVP balancing 26.7 factors on an outrageous 69% capturing with 7.3 rebounds and also 3.7 aids in 3 video games– Phoenix az is ultimately expecting Durant’s return from an ankle joint injury today. “I believe it’s great timing,” Devin Booker informed press reporters. “Playoffs are appropriate nearby, so it’s a great time to be at complete stamina.”– McMenamin
9. New York Knicks
2022-23 document: 43-33
Previous position: 9
New York City, in spite of going 4-6 in its previous 10 video games, might go a long method towards securing the 5th seed in the East with a win Wednesday in your home versus the Warm, that are coming off a loss in Toronto on Tuesday evening. Of equivalent value to the Knicks: obtaining Jalen Brunson healthy and balanced after he has actually managed a collection of bothersome injuries.– Bontemps
10. LA Clippers
2022-23 document: 40-36
Previous position: 10
The Clippers obtained great information when they found out Paul George had actually a sprained knee and also would not need any kind of surgical procedure. Nonetheless, they likewise will not have George for the rest of the period and also perhaps the preliminary if they protect a playoff berth. Without George, the Clippers defeated the Rumbling behind a beast video game from Kawhi Leonard yet after that were squashed by the Pelicans in your home. Leonard after that endured a face contusion yet assisted the Clippers defeated the Bulls. Currently comes a challenging three-game roadway swing with 2 video games at Memphis and also a rematch with the Pelicans– the secondly of a back-to-back.– Youngmisuk
11. Miami Heat
2022-23 document: 40-36
Previous position: 12
Miami went down a difficult one to the Raptors on Tuesday without Jimmy Butler (aching neck), establishing a large video game Wednesday at MSG versus the Knicks. The Warm presently rest precariously in the 7th place in the East with a 40-36 document and also require to discover even more assistance around Butler to leap in advance of the Webs– and also out of the play-In event.– Friedell
12. Golden State Warriors
2022-23 document: 40-37
Previous position: 11
The Warriors maintain jumping from the 6th seed to the 7th to the 8th and also back once more– an informing indication of simply exactly how limited the last part of the playoff race remains in the Western Seminar, as well as likewise of just how Golden State remains to be irregular. The Warriors shed to the Timberwolves after that defeated the Pelicans many thanks to a 20-point return. The Warriors wish to discover some security via their last 5 ready any place they wind up in the standings.– Andrews
13. Brooklyn Nets
2022-23 document: 40-35
Previous position: 13
A total disaster versus the Cavs late on Thursday complied with by a leading sway the Warm in Miami on Saturday, after that an unsatisfactory loss to the Magic on Sunday, and also the Webs are holding on to the No. 6 place in the East. The hope is that a softer routine in the last 2 weeks will certainly obtain them via the goal and also out of the play-in. Mikal Bridges simply maintains rolling in March, he’s balancing 28 factors per video game this month, consisting of 44 in Sunday’s loss to the Magic.– Friedell
14. Minnesota Timberwolves
2022-23 document: 39-37
Previous position: 16
Ultimately entire, the Timberwolves are positive they can take place a small go through the last 2 weeks of the period and also not just protect a place in the postseason, yet a top-six seed particularly. Minnesota has actually looked great considering that the return of Karl-Anthony Towns, yet it’s difficult to think of that after 5 months apart– and also just how challenging it was prior to his injury– that the Timberwolves will certainly click with no bumps.– Andrews
15. New Orleans Pelicans
2022-23 document: 38-38
Previous position: 22
A five-game winning touch rose the Pelicans back right into the thick of the playoff discussion in the Western Seminar. At 38-38, they remain in single belongings of 8th location, yet points will not obtain less complicated from below on out. The Pelicans end up at Denver after that have a four-game homestand versus the Clippers, Sacramento, Memphis and also New York City, prior to completing the period at Minnesota. According to challenger winning percent, the Pelicans have the organization’s hardest staying routine.– Lopez
16. Los Angeles Lakers
2022-23 document: 37-38
Previous position: 18
LeBron James’ return, which accompanied the Lakers stopping a three-game winning touch with a disjointed initiative versus Chicago, is what individuals in business call an excellent trouble to have. Train Darvin Pork will certainly need to determine a method to straighten out the turning and also obtain L.A. back in the win column, promptly. The Lakers are No. 9 yet have simply a half-game lead over No. 11 Dallas, and also the Mavs possess the sudden death.– McMenamin
17. Atlanta Hawks
2022-23 document: 38-38
Previous position: 17
The Hawks prolonged their NBA-record touch of being a video game within.500 to 30 video games with a win Tuesday over the Cleveland Cavaliers that placed their document at 38-38 on the period. Dejounte Murray had 29 factors, 5 aids and also 2 swipes, while Onyeka Okongwu connected his job high with 21 off the bench. Atlanta remained in the center of the play-in race in the Eastern Seminar, resting 2.5 video games rear of Brooklyn in 6th and also 2 video games rear of Miami in 7th. The Hawks are connected with the Raptors in 8th location.– Lopez
18. Oklahoma City Thunder
2022-23 document: 37-39
Previous position: 15
In the loss to Charlotte on Tuesday, Isaiah Joe (33 factors), Josh Giddey (31 factors) and also Jalen Williams (31 factors) ended up being simply the 2nd triad of colleagues in NBA background any age 23 or more youthful to rack up 30 factors or even more in the exact same video game. The only various other triad to achieve the accomplishment? Likewise participants of the Oklahoma City Rumbling: James Harden, Kevin Durant and also Russell Westbrook did it on March 7, 2012.– Lopez
19. Chicago Bulls
2022-23 document: 36-39
Previous position: 21
The Bulls have actually constructed a 2.5-game pillow as the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Seminar, which has actually placed them ready to protect their place in the play-in event. Successive, Chicago can establish its views on going up in the standings. It routes No. 8 Atlanta by one video game. — Collier
20. Dallas Mavericks
2022-23 document: 37-39
Previous position: 14
The efficiency of novice guard Jaden Hardy, that appears like a take as a second-round choice, has actually been a positive side throughout the Mavs’ unpleasant March. Hardy, 20, has actually balanced 16.4 factors with a 60.7 real capturing percent this month. Precursors have actually contrasted Hardy, a quick 6-foot-4 guard with a smooth 3-point stroke, to Jordan Clarkson and also Jordan Poole and also job him to be an instant-offense kind of 6th male quickly.– MacMahon
21. Toronto Raptors
2022-23 document: 38-38
Previous position: 19
Toronto’s sway Miami on Tuesday evening not just enabled the Raptors to equal Atlanta for 8th in the East, yet it likewise provided Toronto the period collection sway the Warm and also maintained active its hopes of rising to 7th in the play-in standings. The distinction in between 8th and also nine is large– it suggests requiring just one win to protect a playoff berth rather than 2– and also currently Toronto remains in placement to be a top-eight group.– Bontemps
22. Utah Jazz
2022-23 document: 35-40
Previous position: 20
Walker Kessler had his 4th seven-block video game of the period in Monday’s loss to the Suns, something no novice has actually done considering that Spurs tale Tim Duncan in 1997-98, according to ESPN Statistics & & Info study. Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez is the just various other gamer in the organization with several seven-block efficiencies this period.– MacMahon
23. Washington Wizards
2022-23 document: 34-42
Previous position: 23
The Wizards stunned the Celtics and also won for the 2nd time in 3 video games yet still continue to be 2.5 video games out of 10th behind the Bulls. Bradley Beal and also Kyle Kuzma continue to be out, yet Kristaps Porzingis and also Deni Avdija have actually been playing well. Washington has Orlando, New York City, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Miami and also Houston staying on the routine. — Youngmisuk
24. Indiana Pacers
2022-23 document: 33-43
Previous position: 24
The Pacers have actually quit a minimum of 125 factors in 5 straight residence video games, the second-longest touch in NBA background, according to study by ESPN Statistics & & Info, and also lengthiest considering that the 1969 Philly 76ers. Successive to see Indiana: the Milwaukee Bucks.– Collier
25. Portland Trail Blazers
2022-23 document: 32-43
Previous position: 25
The Sports jackets are holding up professionals like Damian Lillard, Jusuf Nurkic, Jerami Grant and also Anfernee Simons, and also the draft positioning proceeds. Rose city has actually gone down 9 of 10 video games, and also all there is to eagerly anticipate is enhancing its lottery game chances. — Youngmisuk
26. Orlando Magic
2022-23 document: 32-44
Previous position: 26
Orlando had its three-game winning touch broken by the Grizzlies on Tuesday evening– yet they remain to reveal some enhancement down the stretch. Franz Wagner had 25 factors in Tuesday’s loss and also continues to be constant while balancing simply over 18 factors a video game.— Friedell
27. Charlotte Hornets
2022-23 document: 26-51
Previous position: 27
Charlotte has actually located a little rhythm at the end of the period. The Hornets acquired their 3rd straight win on Tuesday evening over the Rumbling- after 2 straight versus the Mavericks. P.J. Washington acquired an occupation high 43 factors. He has 92 factors over his last 3 video games. — Friedell
28. San Antonio Spurs
2022-23 document: 19-56
Previous position: 29
As quickly as the Spurs got Sandro Mamukelashvili off waivers from the Milwaukee Bucks, he was promptly placed right into the group’s schedule to contribute off the bench. He likewise has actually begun 3 video games until now for San Antonio and also is doing his finest to gain an additional agreement with the Spurs. He has actually racked up in dual numbers in 4 successive video games and also in 12 video games on the whole, and also he’s balancing 9.5 factors, 6.1 rebounds and also 2.1 aids in simply under 22 mins a video game. — Lopez
29. Houston Rockets
2022-23 document: 18-58
Previous position: 28
The Firecrackers have actually shed 6 straight, yet second-year guard Jalen Green has actually installed huge numbers, balancing 25.7 factors on.471/.390/.913 capturing divides throughout the skid. Eco-friendly gets on speed to sign up with a special club of gamers that have actually balanced a minimum of 22 factors per video game at age 20 or more youthful, a task achieved by just Devin Booker, Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal and also Zion Williamson.— MacMahon
30. Detroit Pistons
2022-23 document: 16-59
Previous position: 30
Pistons novice Jaden Ivey racked up a season-high 32 factors on Monday, coming to be the 4th novice in group background to install 30 factors, 8 rebounds and also 8 aids (Cade Cunningham, Give Hillside and also Dave Bing).— Collier
