Instant Reaction: Final Western Conference Standings
The NBA regular season is over. Let's take a look at the final Western Conference standings and the playoff matchups ahead of the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
Western Conference Standings
1. Utah Jazz
2. Phoenix Suns
3. Denver Nuggets
4. LA Clippers
5. Dallas Mavericks
6. Portland Trail Blazers
----------Play-in Tournament------------------------
7. Los Angeles Lakers
8. Golden State Warriors
9. Memphis Grizzlies
10. San Antonio Spurs
Playoff Matchups
The NBA Playoffs will look different this year. As part of the condensed COVID-19 schedule, the teams ranked #7-#10 in the conference standings will participate in a four-team playoff for the final two playoff spots. The #7 seed and #8 seed will face off for an opportunity to play the #2 seed in the conference. Then the loser of that game will face the winner of a prior game between the #9 seed and #10 seed for an opportunity to play the #8 seed. Clear as mud? Hopefully this graphic from the NBA will help:
Utah Jazz vs Winner 9/10 or Loser 7/8
The Utah Jazz won't know their first round opponent until Friday night. It's most likely that the Jazz will face the loser of Wednesday's Lakers-Warriors play-in game.
Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers OR Golden State Warriors
The Suns will take on the winner of the play-in game between the Warriors and the Lakers.
Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers
The Denver Nuggets take on the Trail Blazers in the first round. Damian Lillard and company have played very well over the last 10 games.
LA Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks
The Clippers tanked their way to the #4 seed. Time will tell whether their decision to tank will pay off.
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