With the Western Conference a tight-knit race yet again this season, this series will look at the standings and games to watch across the league as the Lakers look to secure home court and move up the standings. The Nuggets are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. They’ve won seven straight and are now just a game behind the Lakers for the third seed in the West. The Rockets are also playing some good basketball, having won four straight games, keeping this race to the playoffs as tight as ever.
Here’s a look at the current playoff standings in the middle of the conference:
3. Lakers — 50-27, 11 GB
4. Nuggets — 49-28, 12 GB
5. Rockets — 47-29, 13.5 GB
6. Wolves — 46-30, 14.5 GB
With the health of Luka Dončić currently in question due to a hamstring injury he suffered in a loss against the Thunder, the Lakers need the teams surrounding them to drop some games.
Let’s take a look at the big games to watch around the league for the next couple of days and who Lakers fans should be rooting for.
Friday
Jazz at Rockets — The Jazz have lost seven straight, and their focus is on making it eight after playing the Rockets. No need for Lakers fans to even check the score of this game.
Wolves at Sixers — With Philadelphia also fighting for a playoff position, they are incentivized to win. So, expect the Sixers to test the Wolves in this one.
Saturday
Spurs at Nuggets — This game could really impact the Lakers standings-wise. Denver has been on a roll, but the Spurs have been even better, winning 11 straight games. If San Antonio can take down the Nuggets, it would give LA some breathing room in the standings with just a handful of games left.
Even if the Spurs lose to the Nuggets and the Lakers drop their next game, LA would remain in the three spot due to the tiebreaker.
However, with a few games left, and Denver caught up, things would begin to look very dicey entering the final week.
Sunday
Rockets at Warriors — With Steph Curry set to return against the Rockets, the Warriors have a good chance of beating Houston. So, while it might not be the Lakers’ favorite team, rooting for Golden State is in their best interest on Sunday.
Hornets at Wolves — The Hornets have been one of the funnest surprises of the season. They have rookie phenom Kon Knueppel, and LaMelo Ball remains one of the NBA’s most dynamic players. Minnesota might be favored in this game, but make no mistake: Charlotte can win this one.
Monday
Blazers at Nuggets — Portland is trying to remain the eight seed in the West, so expect them to bring the appropriate level of competitiveness agaisnt Denver.
However, given how good the Nuggets have been as of late, it’s hard to imagine it making much of a difference.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
