Race for the top of the West

By: Matteo Ametrano

The focus in the Western Conference playoff race is shifting toward the top. While much talk has centred on the play-in and mid-tier teams, the defending champs Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Minnesota Timberwolves, are locked in a tight battle for conference supremacy.

With just under 15 games left, the Nuggets, Thunder, and T-Wolves are separated by only a game and a half. The Thunder, fresh off a thrilling win in Utah, have reclaimed the top seed from the Nuggets. Yet, they face a challenging schedule, including tough road matchups against the Celtics and Bucks.

Close behind, the Nuggets, led by soon to be three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, are determined to secure home-court advantage for the playoffs as they did last season. Despite a recent buzzer-beater loss to the Mavericks, they've been on fire, boasting one of the league's best records since the All-Star Break and benefiting from a relatively favourable schedule. This favourable schedule also continues for the remainder of the season. 

Meanwhile, the T-Wolves are coping with an injury to Karl-Anthony Towns. Despite his absence, rookie sensation Anthony Edwards has stepped up, showcasing his skills on both ends of the court. Down the stretch Edwards has been showcasing his high-level ability on offense, and looks to have the making of a Superstar.  With two crucial matchups against Denver remaining, Minnesota adds to the intrigue of the race.

Managing player health and rest becomes crucial as the regular season winds down, particularly for teams vying for top seeding. Denver, lacking depth in critical positions, faces a challenge in managing minutes effectively. Conversely, Minnesota has options like Naz Reid to cover for Towns, albeit with potential concerns at center depth when it comes to the playoffs.

With other contenders facing injury woes, such as Jamal Murray's ongoing issues for Denver and hopes for KAT's playoff return for Minnesota, the Thunder's ability to maintain their top seed remains uncertain.

As the NBA season intensifies, tonight Denver hosts the Knicks, while the Thunder face the Raptors in Toronto, and the T-Wolves welcome the Cavs home on Friday.