The Los Angeles Lakers and their play have been anything but interesting or inspiring over their first six games in the Orlando Bubble, as they are waiting to get to the postseason and truly begin their journey to the franchise’s 17th banner. But the same cannot be said for the teams who are vying for the opportunity to play the Lakers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, which is providing amazing theater on a nightly basis. Finally, some teams in that fight were eliminated on Sunday.
With Portland’s win against Philadelphia behind 51 points from Damian Lillard, as well as a loss earlier in the day to the San Antonio Spurs, the New Orleans Pelicans were eliminated from playoff contention, including being able to reach the play-in game. The Sacramento Kings were also eliminated from playoff contention with Portland’s win on Sunday.
The Memphis Grizzlies still hold a 0.5 game lead for the 8th seed in the West over 9th place Portland. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs are only a half-game behind Portland themselves, and the undefeated Phoenix Suns, who play later today are a half-game behind the Spurs.
As a reminder, getting the 8th seed is a major advantage in the play-in scenario. A Western Conference play-in is already scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, but the 8th seed team only has to win once, while the 9th seed team must win two times in a row to leapfrog them and make the playoffs. Among the teams left, Portland has the best chance to snatch the 8th seed from the Grizzlies, but the way that the bubble has gone so far, no result should be surprising with this many teams playing their hearts out.
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