The NBA playoffs are set to kick off with the play-in tournament on Tuesday night. The top six teams from each conference have secured their spots, while teams seeded seven through 10 will battle it out for the final two playoff berths in each conference. Here are three key talking points for the Western Conference ahead of the postseason:
1. Can the Denver Nuggets repeat as Western Conference champions?
The Nuggets have been cruising through the regular season, thanks in large part to their MVP candidate Nikola Jokic. With a stacked starting lineup and a history of winning when it matters, Denver looks poised to make another deep playoff run. However, injuries to key players could derail their championship hopes.
2. Will LeBron James and Stephen Curry lead the Lakers and Warriors to playoff success?
Both teams will have to fight their way out of the play-in tournament to secure a spot in the playoffs. While James has added three-point shooting to his arsenal, Curry has faced challenges due to teammate Draymond Green’s actions. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if these two legendary players can carry their teams to success in the postseason.
3. Are the Dallas Mavericks the dark horse in the Western Conference?
Despite finishing fifth in the standings, the Mavericks have been on a tear in the final stretch of the season. Led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Dallas boasts a potent offense and surprisingly strong defense. If they can maintain their defensive intensity and continue their scoring prowess, the Mavericks could be a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference playoffs.