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After a brief hiatus from these daily updates, we're back to keep watch on the developing playoff race in the Western Conference.
The Clippers' situation hasn't changed much since the last Standings Watch on the 28th. Both LA and Oklahoma City has won all of their games in that time, keeping the Thunder's lead for the #2 seed at 3 losses.
Even though Houston has gone on a 3-game slide, they still seem to be in control of the 4 seed. Their lead over Portland is far from safe, however, with only two losses separating the two. In the back, Memphis, Phoenix, and Dallas are all locked up at 44-31, and only two of those three teams can make the postseason.
Right now, the only team who seems locked in is San Antonio on top. But, if the Spurs fall to the Thunder tonight, that race could start to heat up again. Every other team, especially after the top three, has a chance to move both up and down in the standings.
Here's what the playoff picture looks like going into tonight's doubleheader:
| Seed | Team | Record | Games Remaining |
| 1 | San Antonio Spurs | 59-16 | 8 |
| 2 | Oklahoma City Thunder | 54-19 | 9 |
| 3 | Los Angeles Clippers | 54-22 | 6 |
| 4 | Houston Rockets | 49-25 | 8 |
| 5 | Portland Trail Blazers | 49-27 | 6 |
| 6 | Golden State Warriors | 46-29 | 7 |
| 7 | Dallas Mavericks | 44-31 | 7 |
| 8 | Memphis Grizzlies | 44-31 | 7 |
| - | Phoenix Suns | 44-31 | 7 |
Tonight's doubleheader:
Spurs @ Thunder: 5:00 PST, TNT
Mavericks @ Clippers: 7:30 PST, TNT