The Western Conference playoff race in the NBA has reached a thrilling climax as three teams are now tied for the top seed heading into the final day of the regular season. The Denver Nuggets suffered a heartbreaking 121-120 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, allowing the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves to join them in the three-way tie.
Denver had taken a one-game lead after defeating the Timberwolves earlier in the week, making them the favorites for the No. 1 seed. However, a last-second shot by the Spurs' Devonte' Graham changed the landscape of the playoff picture. The Nuggets now need both Oklahoma City and Minnesota to lose on the final day to regain the top seed.
The Thunder currently hold the tiebreaker advantage with a 5-3 record against the Timberwolves and Nuggets. Minnesota sits at 4-4, while Denver is at 3-5, sliding down to the No. 3 seed as a result.
Elsewhere in the Western Conference, the LA Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks are set to face off in the 4-5 matchup. The New Orleans Pelicans are in the driver's seat to secure the No. 6 seed and avoid the play-in tournament after a win over the Golden State Warriors.
The Pelicans, led by Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, are aiming for their second 50-win season in franchise history. They face the Los Angeles Lakers in a crucial game on Sunday to solidify their playoff positioning.
The Lakers, currently the No. 8 seed, are gearing up for a showdown against the Pelicans to improve their standing in the play-in race. With the Kings and Warriors also vying for playoff spots, the final day of the regular season promises to be filled with high-stakes matchups.
All Western Conference games on Sunday will tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET, setting the stage for an intense finish to determine the playoff seeding and play-in matchups.
