NBA Recap: Playoff race heat up in the West with three games left in regular season
Lakers, Clippers, Warriors and Pelicans locked in four-way deadlock
The race for the Playoffs in the 2022-23 NBA season has reached its climax in the Western Conference, with all four of the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Lakers in contention for the final two spots in the playoffs.
Reigning champions Golden State Warriors have had a tough season, dealing with multiple injuries to Steph Curry as well. They have also failed to impress on the road this season and have a record of 41-38 this season to sit in sixth place. With only three games left to play in their season, three wins to wrap up the season will put them through to the Playoffs in style.
Los Angeles Clippers have a powerful duo in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, with both men returning to full fitness this season aftee missing chunks of the last season. Adding Russell Westbrook to their roster in January saw them struggle for a while, and they also have a record of 41-38 this season. This season provides one of the last chances for Leonard and George to deliver a championship to the franchise.
Los Angeles Lakers endured an abysmal start to the season where they could not find a way to win. Led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers picked up some rhythm after completing trades for D’Angelo Russell, Mo Bamba and Rui Hachimura, among others. With James out injured, AD carried the team on his back, leading them to contention for the Playoffs. The Lakers missed out on the Playoffs completely last season, something James said he never wants to experience again. They have a record of 40-38 and are in seventh place, 0.5 games outside a playoff spot.
Having started the season explosively with Zion Williamson dominating games, the New Orleans Pelicans saw their performance drop after losing the star. They have since picked themselves back up and have a 40-38 record this season and are eighth, half a game outside the playoff spots.
With three games to go for the Warriors and Clippers and four to go for the Lakers and Pelicans, the NBA will see a fierce battle for the final playoff spots. The Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns occupy the first four playoff spots.
