The 5 through 9 seeds were all up for grabs on the final day in the Western Conference. Only the Warriors had it easy.
The Clippers stayed out of the play-in tournament, the Lakers locked in home court advantage for the 7 vs. 8 game, and the Timberwolves overcame a punch-filled game to ensure themselves two chances at making the playoffs on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Warriors cruised to a 157-101 victory which clinched the playoffs and set up a Northern California showdown with the Sacramento Kings.
The matchups
No. 1 Denver Nuggets vs. second play-in winner
No. 2 Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers-Minnesota Timberwolves winner.
No. 3 Sacramento Kings vs. No. 6 Golden State Warriors
No. 4 Phoenix Suns vs. No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers
Play-in
No. 7 Lakers vs. No. 8 Timberwolves
No. 9 New Orleans Pelicans vs. No. 10 Oklahoma City Thunder
Second play-in: Pelicans-Thunder winner at Lakers-Timberwolves loser
The Phoenix Suns rested a number of players against the Clippers, who still had to rally for a 119-114 win. A loss, combined with a New Orleans win, could have sent the Clippers to the play-in. Instead, they’ll face the Suns again next weekend, with a rejuvenated Kawhi Leonard.
