20. Brooklyn Nets (Down 2)

(27-34) Last week: 1-3

The Nets are in danger of falling into the dreaded Milwaukee’s Doormat position, otherwise known as the 8th seed. If it wasn’t for an absolute monster performance from Caris LeVert, who outscored the Celtics on his own in the 4th and then scored all 11 of his teams points in OT, they’d be there now.

After so much proof of Kyrie Irving’s Ewing Theory bonafides when he has played this season (and Boston’s season in general supporting the cause), the Nets are really missing a closer. Aren’t they, Spencer Dinwiddie?

19. Orlando Magic (Down 2)

(27-35) Last week: 1-3

The Magic are still a hair behind Brooklyn in the 'For the love of God please avoid the Bucks in round 1' derby. But for a missed lay-up at the death by Evan Fournier, they would be level on record and in possession of the tie breaker.

Aaron Gordon had been on a tear before sitting out the loss to Portland with a swollen knee (he's likely missing their next game in Miami as well). He recorded his first career triple double against Minnesota and was the catalyst for the Magic's surge in form. They'll need him back fit and firing sooner rather than later.

18. San Antonio Spurs (Up 1)

(26-34) Last week: 2-1

The Spurs were very Spursian this week, taking care of business against the Magic and Hornets on the road, but falling to the superior Pacers. With the sixth easiest schedule to close the regular season per Tankathon, the Spurs have to continue to beat the teams they should and perhaps steal a couple of games against the better clubs in the league. On March 16, they host the Grizzlies before playing in New Orleans (the first of three games remaining against the Pelicans) two nights later. Win those games, and the Spurs are still – somehow – a chance to make the playoffs for the 23rd consecutive season.

17. Sacramento Kings (Up 3)

(27-34) Last week: 3-1

With all of the talk around the eighth seed in the West centred on the Pelicans and Grizzlies, the Kings have sneaked under the radar somewhat, but at only 3.5 games behind Memphis with a fairly favourable run home, the Kings are a legitimate chance to end their play-off futility, not having made a post season appearance since 2006. Over his last 10 games De'Aaron Fox is putting up 20.8 points and 6.2 assists. The suddenly ascendant Harry Giles has stepped it up over his past five games, with 14.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

16. Damian Lillard (Steady)

(28-35) Last week: 2-2

Damian Lillard's Portland Trailblazers finally welcomed back their talisman, Damian Lillard and summarily dispatched the Wizards by a very comfortable 21 points. Lillard himself hit four treys in a 22 point effort. His team went 1 and 4 without him – their victory over Detroit was a rock fight – but with Sacramento and Phoenix (twice) up next Portland can look to put even more pressure on the young Grizzlies, currently holding the 8th and final playoff place.

CJ McCollum did everything he could to keep the team afloat without Lillard, putting up 34.4 points and 8 assists per game.

15. New Orleans Pelicans (Down 2)

(26-36) Last week: 1-3

Is the pressure of expectation getting to the Pelicans?

They've gone down in three straight games, including a shocker to a Wolves side missing Towns. The Pellies now sit a full five games behind Memphis and a playoff berth, with San Antonio, a surging Sacramento and Portland with Lillard back in the fold all in their way. That being said, they still have the easiest run home in the West (3rd in the league overall), so they should still have a run left in them. Both Portland and Sacramento join New Orleans in the top 10 in run home, according to Tankathon. The Pels aren't just chasing Memphis; they're chasing four different teams. Can they maintain their focus?

14. Memphis Grizzlies (Up 1)

(31-31) Last week: 3-1

The Grizz aren’t going to let go of their play-off berth without a fight. Their three game win streak has brought them back to .500, and maintained their 3.5 game lead over charging Kings.

Jaren Jackson Jr continues to sit, but Memphis has had welcome returns to form from Jonas Valanciunas (15 points and 17 rebounds per game over his past 5) and Dillon Brooks (20.6 points over the same span) to help compensate, although the biggest surprise is the emergence of another J. Jackson. Former fourth overall pick Josh Jackson has become a key reserve for Memphis, clocking in at around 24 minutes per game, providing a welcome offensive boost off the bench.

13. Philadelphia 76ers (Down 1)

(37-25) Last week: 1-2

With tent pole superstars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons both ailing, the Sixers are getting great contributions from Tobias Harris and Shake Milton....that's right: Shake Milton.

The sophomore former second round pick exploded this week averaging 22.5 points and shooting 18 of 26 from deep over his past four games. His 39 point performance against the Clippers was remarkable. In that game he made his 13th straight 3 pointer – an all time record.

12. Indiana Pacers (Up 2)

(37-25) Last week: 2-1

Indiana took advantage of a relatively weak stretch of games to put together a six win in seven streak, including victory against Milwaukee, before the Bucks took their revenge in the Pacers last outing.

The most pleasing thing about the run is the contributions from Pacers not named Sabonis or Brogdon. TJ Warren has put up 21.8 points and 5.3 rebounds over that period, whilst Victor Oladipo, who continues to be rested from time to time, has scored in double figures in six of his past seven games.

11. Oklahoma City Thunder (Down 3)

(38-24) Last week: 2-2

Despite splitting their games, this week will have been disheartening to many Thunder fans. OKC took out Detroit and Sacramento as expected, but given elite opposition in the Bucks and Clippers, Billy Donovan’s team were found wanting.

The 15 point loss to Clippers was bad enough, but it was an improvement on the game prior: a 47 point evisceration at the hands of Milwaukee. Trailing at quarter time, the Thunder lost the second and third periods by 16 and 15 points respectively.

These games surely extinguish any thoughts of the Thunder being a fringe contender for the title. They might still sneak into the top four in the West, but they clearly aren’t of the quality of the big boys. That being said, even making the play-offs was an outside chance when the season began, so the success they’ve had is icing on the cake