It appears the NBA playoff picture out West is setting up, barring a huge swing somewhere in the final two weeks. We should be getting:
The NBA playoff picture is coming into view out West
Good morning. We have that and more in Friday’s NBA newsletter.
Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Warriors (1) vs. Blazers (8)
Jazz (4) vs. Clippers (5)
Spurs (2) vs. Grizzlies (7)
Rockets (3) vs. Thunder (6)
Portland is on fire in March and is walking away from the Nuggets. There’s an outside chance the 37-38 Blazers could equalize their record from last season (44-38). Jusuf Nurkic continues to amaze.
The Clippers need Utah to lose two games more than L.A. will, which is a big ask with only seven games left for the Jazz. The Thunder and Clippers are even in the loss column, but OKC has three more games than L.A. to play.
The East, meanwhile, remains a complete mess from No. 1 through 8. None of the eight seeds is set in stone, and two teams are still fighting to get in.
Scores Galore ...
BKN 89, DET 90
CLE 93, CHI 99
LAL 104, MIN 119
LAC 124, PHX 118
HOU 107, POR 117
... And Plenty More
Important: There is a song about Jusuf Nurkic from a Bosnian funk band Dubioza kolektiv. It is greatness.
Meet the leading candidate to become the No. 1 pick in 2018: Michael Porter, Jr. He’s had a wild ride to Columbia, Missouri.
What happens to Isaiah Thomas if the Celtics win the NBA draft lottery and line up to pick Markelle Fultz? Odds are it won’t happen, but it’s an interesting thought experiment.
Powerful Eli Saslow story on the power of hope in Jolinda Wade’s church after the murder of her niece (and Dwyane Wade’s cousin).
But seriously, the TNT Bulls are completely inexplicable. They beat the Cavaliers. In fact, Chicago — who may not make the playoffs — swept the Cavaliers.
Let’s talk about those Cavaliers. LeBron acknowledges things are bad, and Kyrie Irving indicated there was a team meeting after the loss. Meanwhile, Chris Herring’s analysis suggests there is reason to be seriously worried about Cleveland in the playoffs.
Zito Madu makes his case for Russell Westbrook as MVP.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry outplayed three top MVP candidates in their gyms in nine days. [frog emoji] [tea emoji]
DeMarcus Cousins will welcome the Kings to New Orleans on Friday night. Well, “welcome” is probably the wrong word there ...
Speaking of the Kings, here’s a cool way to help Sacramento foster kids experience at an NBA game.
LeBron may or may not have thrown shots at Lonzo Ball by mocking his shooting stroke in warm-ups. Something tells me Lonzo isn’t going to sign with Klutch Sports this spring.
Speaking of LeBron, he is now No. 7 all-time in scoring. Dirk is No. 6 and should hit No. 5 next season.
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