Wembanyama for MVP, Warriors Should Rest Curry: Western Conference Playoff Push Goals

With only a month left until the NBA Playoffs, teams are intensifying their focus. While the Dallas Mavericks should prioritize the future of Cooper Flagg, the Los Angeles Lakers urgently need to establish stability.

The NBA regular season is rapidly approaching its conclusion, and the 15 teams in the Western Conference are setting vastly different priorities for these final weeks. Some teams might as well be holding tryouts for next season, while others like the Nuggets, Rockets, and OKC still need to make crucial adjustments before the postseason begins.

Here are the critical objectives these teams should prioritize in their remaining games:

Los Angeles Clippers: Nurture Kawhi’s Ankle

Which «spring» of Kawhi Leonard are NBA fans currently witnessing, and opposing teams dreading? The 34-year-old has decided to expand his game in his 14th year in the league, scoring better than ever before. His 28.2 points per game, considering his incredible turnaround, is a not-so-secret MVP candidacy. If only it weren’t for the injuries again. Last weekend, his ankle was affected. He returned against the Pelicans, visibly gritting his teeth in the first encounter, but had to sit out the second.

With the Warriors also plagued by injuries and the Trail Blazers not consistently riding a wave of success, the Clippers might somehow drag themselves across the finish line into eighth place, thanks to a strong Bennedict Mathurin and a refreshing Darius Garland (both of whom also missed the back-to-back), even after losing their last four games. They would then only need one win in the Play-In tournament to reach the playoffs, where the Clippers could become unexpectedly dangerous. That is, if Kawhi stays fit.

Memphis Grizzlies: Give Morant a Proper Farewell

The Grizzlies are in a rebuild; that much has been clear since Jaren Jackson Jr.’s departure. While the young players are now free to prove themselves on the court of irrelevance for future tasks, Ja Morant has been absent for weeks. Recently, the former franchise hope announced he would like to remain in Memphis. But how many times can the relationship be severed? The market for Morant wasn’t there before the trade deadline, otherwise, he would have been gone by now. The Grizzlies should now strive to give the point guard a dignified farewell while also moving him on in a timely manner.

Utah Jazz: Don’t Completely Alienate Adam Silver

No team tanks as effectively and as poorly as the Jazz. In recent weeks, Utah has elevated intentional losing to an art form, going far beyond merely resting star players. This has led to curious scenes, significant attention – and considerable anger. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has already issued a fine and announced plans to completely re-evaluate the draft rules. Until then, it is the Jazz’s right to somehow get their own first-round pick into the top eight, otherwise, the pick goes to Oklahoma City. However, Utah might want to avoid overdoing it until then.

Sacramento Kings: Let the Draft’s Steal Work His Magic

Maxime Raynaud amassed 32 points (13/25 FG, 2/5 3FG, 4/4 FT) and 9 rebounds against the San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama. ‘Wemby’ may have only played 22 minutes on the court, and the Kings lost by 28 points, but that shouldn’t diminish his countryman’s performance. Especially since it wasn’t an anomaly. Raynaud’s March averages stand at 18.9 PPG (61.8 FG%, 41.7 3FG%) and 8.6 RPG. Not bad in such a dysfunctional squad. Not bad for a second-round pick who absolutely deserves to continue showcasing his talent in Sacramento.

Los Angeles Lakers: Bring In Stability

Almost an utopian endeavor. Of course, the spotlights in Hollywood are the brightest. And yet, it would help if the Lakers themselves made an effort now and then to create fewer headlines off the court – while anthems of praise for Luka Doncic’s and LeBron James’ records on the court are, of course, welcome. It’s encouraging that LeBron seems to have mostly accepted his role as the third option with contentment so far. Less encouraging is his agent constantly talking about the Lakers, despite claiming to «hate» it in his own podcast, and James himself confidently firing back due to the headlines.

Head Coach JJ Redick would likely be grateful for any press conference where he doesn’t have to directly or metaphorically manage the egos of his players. At the same time, he seems almost too eager to push Doncic into the MVP discussion in the final stretch. A little less excitement and a little less recency bias would generally benefit Los Angeles. Otherwise, they shouldn’t complain about the front-page headlines after a first-round exit.

Dallas Mavericks: Do Everything for Flagg’s Ideal Partner

The Mavs could once again strive to win games and allow Cooper Flagg to shine, giving the teenager a chance in the Rookie of the Year race against college buddy Kon Knueppel. Or, more reasonably, they could simply abandon that pursuit. Flagg will have a brilliant career, and whether he gets the ROTY trophy or not is ultimately irrelevant. More important will be to surround him with a solid team in the future. The pick situation in Texas looks bleak for the next few years. Therefore, it’s crucial to do everything now to secure a high pick and pair Flagg with the right young talent in the upcoming draft. This would also be in the best interest of the future franchise star.

Denver Nuggets: Work on Clutch Defense

It’s no great secret that the intensity increases in the playoffs. Instead of relaxed blowouts, games more frequently come down to the wire in crunch time. Unfortunately for the Nuggets, Denver seems completely unprepared for the postseason in late-game situations. In clutch games this season, their record is a very average 17 wins and 19 losses. Nikola Jokic has publicly complained about regularly giving away games in the final minutes.

However, the ‘Joker’ is part of the problem. While the Nuggets’ offense may certainly function in tight games thanks to him, defensively, the 2023 champions are dreadful. A clutch defensive rating of 124.9 is equivalent to the second-to-last place in the entire NBA. Long-time rival OKC, for example, is at 101.4.

New Orleans Pelicans: Find the Key Players of the Future

The Pelicans have absolutely nothing left to win or lose in the West. New Orleans has no pick in the upcoming draft, so there’s no point in trying to tank. The seven consecutive home wins were certainly welcomed by their fans, but the path to the Play-In is already too far. Accordingly, the focus must shift to the future, and the remaining games should be treated as tryouts for the upcoming season. Can Dejounte Murray be a franchise player after his long injury? Should Zion Williamson stay, or must a clean break be made in the summer? Could Zion and rookie Derik Queen then function together on the court?

Houston Rockets: Have an Offensive Plan B

The fact that the Rockets’ offense managed to get through much of the season without a true point guard was mainly due to two factors: Steven Adams’ absurd offensive rebounding and Kevin Durant’s sleepwalking 25 points per night. Adams is now out with an injury, and against Durant recently, the Lakers came up with a brilliant and far from new idea: double-teaming Kevin Durant. It certainly helped that KD didn’t have his co-star Alperen Sengün by his side in that game, but the Rockets’ endgame was a complete failure. Even in the direct rematch, the superstar struggled to get into the game for a long time.

Durant individually found few solutions against the double-team, and his teammates couldn’t capitalize on the hesitantly opening spaces. Alternative ideas are urgently needed to avoid a rude awakening in the playoffs. Speaking of rude: Tari Eason has converted only one of 28 three-pointers in March so far. Perhaps a Plan C is also needed.

San Antonio Spurs: Gift Wemby the MVP Trophy

That Victor Wembanyama is addicted to winning, success, and revenge should by now be known throughout the NBA, not just in San Antonio and to Chet Holmgren. The young Frenchman sets ambitious goals for himself and does everything to achieve them. He recently proved this by almost single-handedly «saving the All-Star Game» by bringing seriousness back to the exhibition event. But even before the playoffs, he publicly announced what still entices him for the final weeks of the regular season: «I want to reach at least 60 wins to match my rookie season,» he recently stated after the Spurs had surpassed the 50-win mark.

Individually, he also has much in mind: «I’m currently trying to take care of my body – and then I’d like to become MVP and DPOY.» Perhaps all these goals can be combined for the Spurs. The game-winner against the Suns certainly won’t have hurt his application.

Phoenix Suns: Hope for Slip-ups

Phoenix is in a fairly relaxed situation in the West. Due to the bitter loss in their direct duel with Minnesota, the Suns are several wins behind the Timberwolves, Rockets, and Nuggets for seventh place. Therefore, to qualify directly for the playoffs, they need the competition to falter. Next week, the Suns can also try their luck again in a direct duel against the Nuggets.

Beyond that, the goal is to hope that Dillon Brooks can return soon. There shouldn’t be any regression downwards (despite four consecutive losses), and the season, regardless of the outcome, should be considered a surprising success.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Find the Perfect Lineup

OKC will enter the playoffs as a favorite in the West. Their postseason ticket was secured very early, a month beforehand, with a victory against the Orlando Magic. Now, however, the task is to figure out which lineups will best harmonize on the path to defending their title.

The Thunder haven’t had much time for this so far. Isaiah Hartenstein, whose role was constantly tinkered with in previous playoffs, has only just returned from a long injury layoff. The same applies to Ajay Mitchell. Jared McCain only arrived in Oklahoma City shortly before the trade deadline, while Jalen Williams is currently out again.

Even among the healthy players, it’s far from clear who will earn Mark Daigneault’s trust. Lu Dort has recently been on a downward trend, while Jaylin Williams has repeatedly hinted at his potential in a larger role.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Secure Playoffs Without Anthony Edwards

Inflammation in his right knee is forcing the ‘Ant-Man’ to sit out for one to two weeks. This injury could not only cost Edwards individual award nominations but also Minnesota’s assured entry into the playoffs. A crucial first step was taken with their direct victory against the Suns. But without Edwards, Julius Randle must continue to successfully take on responsibility, and Ayo Dosunmu needs to step up. And if the Rockets and Nuggets continue to falter, Minny would gladly stumble to secure home-court advantage if necessary.

Portland Trail Blazers: Celebrate a Winning Season

Due to the lack of competition, the Trail Blazers’ spot in the Play-In is no longer in question. Beyond a potential late surge to eighth place, the general goal should be to achieve more wins than losses for the first time since 2021. Currently, Portland stands at a 34-36 record. However, they still face the Kings, Pelicans, Wizards, Mavericks, Bucks, and Nets, among others. There could be cause for celebration if they secure the mandatory wins.

Golden State Warriors: Don’t Mess With Curry

The Warriors haven’t yet acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they already have a ‘Giannis Antetokounmpo problem’: the season is leading nowhere, their superstar is injured – and desperately wants to play. Stephen Curry recently made it clear that despite his ongoing knee problems, he absolutely wants to play this season. While the Dubs certainly have better playoff chances in the West than the Bucks in the East, even if the postseason is reached via the Play-In: anything less than a first-round exit would be a sensation.

In the new year, Curry can preferably attack bigger goals well-rested. With a recovered Jimmy Butler – and perhaps a fresh Giannis Antetokounmpo.

NBA: Western Conference Standings