As the 2024-25 NBA regular season draws to a close, the Western Conference playoff race is heating up with intense competition among teams vying for playoff seedings. The Minnesota Timberwolves, LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Golden State Warriors are locked in a tight battle for the crucial No. 6 seed, while the Los Angeles Lakers aim to secure a top-six seed after a drought since the 2019-20 season. The Phoenix Suns are teetering on the edge, looking to catch the Sacramento Kings for a shot at least making the play-in tournament.
The Denver Nuggets are eyeing a potential playoff upset against an impressive Oklahoma City squad, led by the formidable Nikola Jokic. Meanwhile, the Lakers are strategically positioning themselves to aim for a top-four seed to gain home-court advantage and allow time for key players to heal. The Warriors are hoping to avoid falling into the play-in tournament and facing a tough challenge from the Thunder, emphasizing the importance of securing a higher seed for a smoother playoff path in the competitive Western Conference landscape.