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Western Conference Standings Watch: Will Nuggets Keep Winning?

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 14: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 14, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

With the Western Conference a tight-knit race yet again this season, this series will look at the standings and games to watch across the league as the Lakers look to secure home court and move up the standings.

The Lakers had a great road trip, winning five of their six games. However, the teams beneath them also performed well, with the Wolves beating the Rockets and the Nuggets currently on a four-game winning streak.

So, while LA has the tiebreaker over the teams they are competing with for playoff position, the race remains tight.

Here’s a look at the current playoff standings in the middle of the conference:
3. Lakers — 47-26, 10 GB
4. Nuggets — 46-28, 11.5 GB
5. Wolves — 45-28, 12 GB
6. Rockets — 43-29, 13.5 GB
7. Suns — 40-33, 17 GB

If Denver keeps on winning, it’ll apply pressure on LA to do the same. With only a game and a half separating the two teams, anything can still happen.

Let’s take a look at the big games to watch around the league for the next couple of days and who Lakers fans should be rooting for.

Friday

Jazz at Nuggets — It’ll probably be five wins in a row for Denver after they play Utah. While the NBA aims to discourage tanking, under the current rules, the Jazz have no incentive to win.

Rockets at Grizzlies — Memphis has lost 12 of their last 13 games. The Rockets are struggling, but it’s hard to imagine them losing to the Grizzlies.

Dealing with a busted bracket?

The Sweet 16 is almost here – who’s still alive? We’re reviewing the week that was in the first week of the NCAA tournament and turning our focus to remaining teams. How bad (or good!) is your bracket? Join us in the SB Nation March Madness Feed and let’s talk about who’s most likely to make a run to glory.

Saturday

Pistons at Wolves — The Lakers lost to the Pistons, so they witnessed firsthand how tough they can be to beat. Perhaps this weekend, they can help LA out by beating Minnesota.

Jazz at Suns — Rooting for Utah to win in March is an exercise in futility.

Sunday

Warriors at Nuggets — Golden State is still trying to win games and potentially surpass the Blazers for the No. 9 seed in the West. With Steph Curry still out, they don’t have much firepower to compete with the Nuggets, but at least they are incentivized to do so.

Rockets at Pelicans — New Orleans has been playing better than their 25-49 record suggests. They are 5-5 in their last 10 games with wins over the Clippers and Raptors. They won’t be favored against the Rockets, but they’ll be at home and an upset is a possibility.

Monday

Wolves at Mavs — The Mavericks aren’t trying to win games. Check the box score at halftime and see if this contest is worth watching after that.

Suns at Grizzlies — The bad news here is that the Grizzlies play the Suns, and Laker fans want Memphis to win. The good news is the Suns are seven games back of the Lakers, so it’s virtually impossible for them to catch LA at this point.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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