The final day of the NBA regular season is upon us and things could not be better orchestrated, with drama in three key matchups in the Western Conference Playoff race. Schedule planners, my hat is tipped to you.
In the Western Conference standings we have the Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs all locked with 53-28 records and the Denver Nuggets a mere game ahead at 54-27. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Hornets and Dallas Mavericks are locked with 49-32 records. Positions two through to seven in the playoff race are uncertain — what better way to complete a regular season?
Quite often we find ourselves watching boring games as the season concludes, with star veterans taking a game off in preparation for the playoffs. That will not be happening this season.
The games to watch with interest tonight:
New Orleans Hornets v San Antonio Spurs: Chris Paul and David West versus Tony Parker and Tim Duncan. This is huge in terms of playoff seeds. Prediction: Spurs.
Houston Rockets v Dallas Mavericks: The Rockets have won five in a row and are looking good behind the play of Ron Artest. Prediction: Rockets.
Portland Trail Blazers v Denver Nuggets: The Blazers will be looking to take this one out to tie the season series. A win will tie the Nuggets for the Northwest Division lead, but the Nuggets will take the higher playoff spot, based on their greater record against Division rivals. Portland is very strong on their home court. Prediction: Blazers.
The seedings are all to be determined based on tonight’s games. Sit back and watch it unfold.
