Jokic Lifts Nuggets Past Lakers To Claim No 3 Seed

Merlin sees Denver's late-game magic — a 38-point fourth quarter and overtime charge — lift the Nuggets past the Lakers into the West's No. 3 seed, putting them on a likely first-round path against Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves. The Lakers, riddled with injuries, now must fight to hold a top-four spot for home court while Houston prowls close enough to flip the standings. In the East, the play-in race tightened as Philadelphia, Orlando and Charlotte sit at 43-36 with three games left; Toronto clings to sixth but needs a sweep of Miami to breathe easy. Denver's remaining slate looks kind with Memphis, OKC and San Antonio, while L.A. faces a brutal finish. Seeding drama should clear up by the weekend, and small swings will decide matchups.