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5 Western Conference Teams Fighting For Their NBA Playoff Lives

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By @JosephMCrevier

5 Western Conference Teams Fighting For Their NBA Playoff Lives

Oklahoma City Thunder
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The NBA's Western Conference is historically much better than its counterpart. However, in recent years it's become so loaded, some of the league's premier talent will be left dry heaving in the ninth and tenth seeds. A glimmer of hope still remains for a couple franchises to make one final playoff push, while a few others look to avoid falling from grace. These five teams have the most questions surrounding their playoff status.

5. San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs
Rocky Widner-Getty Images

5. San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs
Rocky Widner-Getty Images

Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs have set a precedent of excellence for nearly two decades. Mediocrity is unacceptable and anything below a championship is deemed unsuccessful. Well, San Antonio has experienced quite the championship hangover dealing majorly because of injuries to Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker and Tiago Splitter all season. Currently in the seventh seed, the Spurs must finish the season strong to avoid a total catastrophe.

4. Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks
Ronald Martinez-Getty Images

4. Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks
Ronald Martinez-Getty Images

Forfeiting several key role players for an old-school style point guard coming of two major injuries was a massive risk for a Dallas Mavericks team with championship aspirations - not to mention its No. 1 ranked offense. The experiment has turned out an epic failure with the near 30-year-old expected to flee this offseason. Two abominable losses recently could prove to be the nail in the coffin for Rajon Rondo and the Mavericks.

3. Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns
Isaac Baldizon-Getty Images

3. Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns
Isaac Baldizon-Getty Images

The Phoenix Suns' unheralded rise to relevancy came perhaps too soon. In a season which Phoenix was anticipated to barely eclipse 20 wins, it pushed 50 and nearly nudged its way into the eighth seed. The success ultimately was the Suns worst enemy as management completely resurfaced the roster by acquiring Brandon Knight to pair alongside Eric Bledsoe in the backcourt. Even with the diminished roster, Phoenix still has a shot at the playoffs.

2. New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans
Fernando Medina-Getty Images

2. New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans
Fernando Medina-Getty Images

Albeit a depleted roster, the New Orleans Pelicans continue to find ways to pull out victories. Anthony Davis' health has been an ongoing issue, but Eric Gordon is a pleasant surprise thus far who is finally beginning to return to form. Without a first-round pick, yet again, New Orleans simply cannot afford to miss out on the playoffs. Given Oklahoma City's slew of injuries, the Pelicans have a legitimate shot to make a run down the stretch.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder
Bill Baptist-Getty Images

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder
Bill Baptist-Getty Images

Russell Westbrook's play lately is almost inhumane. He's throwing up triple-double left and right, dropping about 40 points, yet the Oklahoma City Thunder are still gasping for air. Injuries have forced vital pieces to miss a ton of games, so until Durant and Steven Adams can get fully healthy, the eighth seed is open. For the Golden State Warriors' sake, New Orleans is probably the preferred first-round matchup.

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