The final days of the NBA season are upon as at last. While there is no Game of Thrones, there are plenty of games to keep any NBA fan entertained. While the Eastern Conference top 10 is set, the West still has 12 teams playing for the Top 10 seeds. The play in the tournament on the west side looks to be one of the most entertaining tournaments we have seen. Every team from 7-12 can compete with those ranked 1-6. How will the western conference play in the tournament shake-up? These are the top 5 games that will determine the 7-10 seeds that play on April 11-14
- Los Angles Lakers vs Los Angles Clippers, Wednesday, April 5 @ 9:00 ESPN
The Lakers are coming off a massive win in OT vs the Jazz. While that is going to take a toll on their players it was absolutely necessary in order to avoid the play-in tournament. With Paul George out for this bout and likely the rest of the regular season, the Lakers could easily overtake them. Lebron will want to get some needed rest before the Lakers start their playoff run. A win here gives them the chance to control their own destiny heading into their last two games.
- Dallas Mavericks vs Sacramento Kings, Wednesday, April 5 @ 7:30 PM
The Mavs have a chance to have the same record as the Thunder at 38-42. This would tie them for the 10th seed in the West, the only issue is, OKC has the tiebreaker. The Mavs would still have work to do, but considering how big the Kyrie trade was, it’s do-or-die. The Mavs could potentially lose Kyrie in free agency this summer, which is worst-case scenario for the Mavs. This is the biggest game of the season for the Mavs and the last spot in the play-in.
- Minnesota Timberwolves vs the New Orleans Pelicans Sunday, April 9 @ 2:30 PM
This could potentially be a 3 game slide for the Pelicans which could see them have the same record as the Mavs or the Thunder. They have Memphis tonight and the Knicks following then. If they are able to scrape out a win between those two this game will decide who is playing the 7-8 game and the 9-10 game. A play-in to decide which team could play fewer games, count me in.
- Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies, Sunday, April 9 @ 2:30
Assuming the Grizzlies still have something to play for, this could be the game everyone is watching on Sunday. Memphis with a chance to steal the number one seed while OKC attempts to grab the last play. All is at stake here for OKC, they could potentially make the playoffs after only two years of rebuilding. Not to mention they don’t even have Chet yet. OKC making the play-in would be an amazing feat considering how they have restructured this team. Plenty of storylines to keep everyone busy in this one.
- Los Angles Clippers at Phoenix Suns, Sunday, April 9 @ 2:30
I have a feeling the Clippers are going to be the 6 seed at this point. The Lakers will have to play the Suns after the Clippers, so even if they beat LAC they still will have to KD and co. I don’t see it happening at all therefore the Clippers should take the 6 seed again. Now they have the unfortunate Suns matchup that will be must-win unless they want to be in the play-in. The Suns should have the throttle down trying to get KD to mesh, which leaves this as potentially entertaining if the Clippers can keep up.
Top Picture by Getty Images