Six Western teams compete for playoff positions

The Western Conference playoff race is heating up, with six teams vying for better seeding as the regular season nears its end. The Oklahoma City Thunder lead with a strong record of 54-12, while the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Lakers are closely competing for the second seed. The Nuggets are dealing with Aaron Gordon's limited play, but other players are stepping up. The Grizzlies recently ended a four-game winning streak and need bench players to perform better. The Lakers are struggling with a four-game losing streak, exacerbated by LeBron James' injury. The Houston Rockets are on a five-game winning streak, bolstered by strong defense. The Golden State Warriors have improved significantly since acquiring Jimmy Butler III. The Minnesota Timberwolves are on a seven-game winning streak, aided by Julius Randle's return and a favorable upcoming schedule.