Kevin Pelton, ESPN analyst, joins Zach to discuss NBA playoff push with Embiid's return to Sixers, Heat's chances, Knicks without Randle, race for top seed in the West, Lakers' potential, Suns and Clippers performances. Insights on team dynamics, key matchups, and playoff scenarios.
Joel Embiid's return boosts Sixers' playoff chances in the East.
Western Conference playoff race intensifies with Denver holding top seed importance.
Clippers face challenges with inconsistent scoring and injury concerns for Leonard in playoff preparation.
Deep dives
Eastern Conference Playoff Race Intensifies
The Eastern Conference playoff race is heating up with significant implications for the Philadelphia 76ers. Joel Embiid's return has sparked the Sixers to crucial victories, positioning them for a possible climb up the standings. The battle for positions three, four, and five in the East involves the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, and New York Knicks. With injuries impacting key players like Julius Randle, the outcome of the playoffs remains uncertain.
Western Conference Standings in Flux
The Western Conference remains chaotic with intense competition and uncertainty in the standings. A three-team race for the top seed between the Timberwolves, Thunder, and Nuggets adds intrigue. The Suns, Mavericks, and Pelicans are contending for seeds five, six, and seven to avoid the play-in tournament. The Los Angeles Lakers strive to secure a playoff spot while facing challenges from the Sacramento Kings in a tight battle.
Analysis of Contenders and Matchup Scenarios
Denver's position at the top of the standings holds critical importance for potential playoff matchups across the Western Conference. Teams like the Phoenix Suns show promising signs of improvement, aiming to make a deep postseason run. Matchup uncertainty looms large as teams strategize and await Denver's final seeding to determine their playoff path.
Impact of Play-In Tournament on Team Strategies
The play-in tournament has reshaped team strategies, emphasizing the race to avoid unfavorable matchups with high-seeded teams like Denver. The competitive landscape in the West underscores the significance of securing higher seeds for advantage in the playoffs. Teams face tough decisions regarding positioning and potential matchups as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
Lakers in Playoffs Race
The Lakers are in contention for playoffs, facing tough competition such as the Kings and Warriors in their remaining schedule. They have a potential path to the eighth seed, especially with key players out for opponents, making the eighth to ninth seeding crucial. The Lakers need to secure wins against teams like the Celtics, Nets, and Thunder to enhance their playoff chances.
Clippers Playoff Prospects
The Clippers are currently fourth in the West, facing challenges with Harden's scoring inconsistencies and Leonard's injury concerns. Their three-point shooting has dipped post-All-Star break, impacting their offensive efficiency. To succeed in the playoffs, Leonard needs to be a standout player in every series, with a potential matchup against the Mavericks looming as a significant test for the team's playoff ambitions.
Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss the Sixers' chances now that Joel Embiid is back in the fold, how seeds 3 through 5 might shake out in the East, the race for the top seed in the West, how dangerous the Lakers can be, and what to make of the Suns and Clippers.
Sixers with Embiid (10:31)
Are the Heat going to heat up or what? (24:01)
Knicks without Randle (27:14)
Cavs and Magic (35:26)
Race for top seed in the West (44:35)
How dangerous can the Lakers be? (49:56)
Wolves without KAT (1:00:10)
Suns coming together (1:03:09)
Can the Clippers find the magic they had earlier in the year? (1:05:59)
