The Western Conference is the deepest it has been in years. Few would argue otherwise. With just a few games left before the All-Star break, 13 teams are still fighting for a play-in spot in the West. The competition is relentless, and the stakes are high. This season’s play-in race is unlike anything we have seen before.
We Are Going To Be Treated To A Play-in Sized Treat In The West
A Historically Tight Play-in Race
As of February 12, the Minnesota Timberwolves hold the seventh seed, the first play-in spot. They have a two-game cushion over the eighth-seeded Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks, who stunned the NBA world by trading for Anthony Davis, are trying to solidify their playoff position. However, the margin for error is razor-thin.
The Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors sit at ninth and tenth, just half a game behind the Mavericks. The Phoenix Suns, despite having the most expensive roster in NBA history, are a game behind both teams. The San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, are only two games back. The Portland Trail Blazers round out the race, sitting just one-and-a-half games behind the Spurs.
Play-in races are usually competitive, but not like this.
Comparing Past Play-in Races
The NBA introduced the play-in tournament in the 2020-21 season. That year, the tenth-seeded Spurs finished two games ahead of the Pelicans and Kings. The Timberwolves, in 13th place, were a distant eight games behind them. The ninth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies finished five games ahead of the Spurs, creating a clear gap.
In 2021-22, the Spurs again claimed the tenth seed, finishing just one game ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers. That was the closest margin in play-in history at the time. The Kings and Trail Blazers finished three and six games behind the Lakers, respectively. Only three teams realistically competed for the tenth seed.
The 2022-23 season was the closest comparison to this year. The Thunder finished 10th with a 40-42 record. The Mavericks ended just two games behind them, while the Utah Jazz finished three games back. The standings were extremely tight, but they lacked the star power of this season.
Last season, the 2023-24 play-in race lacked suspense. The Rockets’ late surge made things interesting, but they still finished five games behind the Warriors. The Jazz and Grizzlies ended 10 and 14 games behind Houston, respectively. The Lakers and Pelicans secured their playoff spots comfortably.
A Play-in Race Stacked With Stars
What makes this season unique? The sheer amount of star power.
The Kings just reunited Zach LaVine with DeMar DeRozan at the trade deadline. Domantas Sabonis, another All-Star, remains their centerpiece. The Warriors formed a new big three with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. The Suns boast Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal—three elite scorers with championship aspirations.
The Spurs, in only Wembanyama’s second season, added De’Aaron Fox at the deadline. Chris Paul is also on the roster, giving them three All-Stars. Even the Trail Blazers, despite lacking an All-Star, surged into contention with a stunning 11-1 stretch between January 20 and February 7.
What The West’s Play-In Means for the NBA
This level of depth shows how stacked the NBA has become. The 12th seed in the West has multiple All-Star-caliber players. When teams miss out on the play-in, front offices will respond. Some will pivot to full rebuilds, moving their stars for future assets. Others will double down, making win-now moves to take the next step.
The real winners? The fans.
With so many stars in the mix, teams will play their hardest to secure a spot in the postseason. Expect high-intensity games, incredible performances, and unpredictable finishes. This play-in race is shaping up to be the best one yet.
The post We Are Going To Be Treated To A Play-in Sized Treat In The West appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.