NBA Playoff Race Update: The West is Set

Western Conference - Dead or Dying

(9) Sacramento Kings (34-35, 0.6%)
(10) Minnesota Timberwolves (32-38, 0.0%)
(11) Los Angeles Lakers (31-39, 0.0%)
(12) New Orleans Pelicans (31-42, eliminated)
(13) Memphis Grizzlies (28-42, eliminated)
(14) Dallas Mavericks (28-42, eliminated)
(15) Phoenix Suns (17-55, eliminated)

The Kings were our last chance at a compelling playoff race in the Western Conference, but they had to go 4-9 over their last 13, basically falling apart at the worst possible time after a full season of exceeding expectations. Oh well, the idea of their making the playoffs was fun while it lasted, and their future still looks plenty bright.

The Phoenix Suns were the only team statistically eliminated from making the playoffs out west going into last night, but now the Pelicans, Grizzlies, and Mavericks have joined them (and the Kings, Timberwolves, and Lakers won't be too far behind).