NBA WEST PLAYOFF UPGRADE

This season, for the first time since 2010, the Kroenke Family greenlit spending into the luxury tax, clearly signaling their belief this roster can win at the highest level. All of their core players are signed to long-term contracts - including the defending two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, signed through 2028. The Nuggets are deeply invested in a roster in which the average age is 27 - right in its prime.

Which prompts the question: Is this flipping of the Western Conference a true changing of the guard or a one-off anomaly? Denver Nuggets 1 seed to all four California teams making the postseason for the first time (while all three Texas teams were sent home), this season has been unlike any other. From the Denver Nuggets earning their franchise's first No. The West has never looked this way in the history of the NBA. This is not your older brother's Western Conference. NBA, Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings NBA playoffs 2023: How the Western Conference turned upside down

NBA WEST PLAYOFF UPGRADE

Remaining fixtures: Jazz (A) - April 7, Grizzlies (H) - April 9.You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser They'll need him to carry on that form alongside Gilgeous-Alexander if they are to keep the Mavs at arms-length. He's scored at least 20 points in his last three games, including a 31-point performance in Tuesday's loss to the Charlotte Hornets. The rookie showcased his dazzling skills against the Detroit Pistons last Wednesday, finishing with a game-high 27 points and securing the buzzer-beating shot. The Thunder have a one-game lead over the Mavericks who sit in 11th position in the West, and they haven't had much in the way of support for 'SGA', until the recent rise of Jalen Williams. He made it to the latter with impressive ease, but the former might take more elbow grease. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserves a place in the playoff conversation, just as he deserved a place in the All-Star roster. Image: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is among the league's top scorers this season

* Live on Sky Sports Golden State Warriors Remaining fixtures: Blazers (H) - April 8, Suns (A) - April 9*. The Leonard of old may be needed if the Clippers are to power their way through. With no tiebreakers to hand, the remaining fixtures will be must-win games.

Will it be enough to keep them afloat while George recuperates? The previous Sunday's defeat to the Pelicans provided us with an insight into their fatal flaw: Roster depth. Most notably he delivered a monstrous performance against the Thunder, racking up 32 points on 13-of-15 shooting. In his absence, Kawhi Leonard's contributions have been immense. Although he won't require surgery, it's possible the 32-year-old may not be around for the first round of the playoffs. Their star guard will be missing for at least the remainder of the regular season as he nurses himself back to health following a knee sprain. The Clippers are currently 5th seed, and most are projecting them to hold on to a playoff spot despite Paul George's injury status. Image: Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is a former NBA Finals MVP

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