Less than 10 games already for most of the teams. It's the first time I appreciate this new play-in system. It makes the games better since some of the bottom teams are still playing hard for a chance to enter the playoffs. Without the play-ins, many teams would've rested their main players with minor injuries to heal and give way to the other players.
That's exactly why the play-ins were created, to maintain the season's competitiveness from the start to finish. Look at how the teams from 5th seed down to the 11th seed in the Western Conference, they are tightly competing for either a secured spot in the playoffs or secure a spot for the play-ins. Lakers, Warriors, and Rockets are now has a close competition to secure a play-ins spot, with the Rockets and Warriors being close to each other with 2-3 games apart. Every game left for these 3 teams are a must, otherwise one of these teams will get behind and drop to the 11th seed. The Rockets are on 11th winning streak, so the Warriors must watch out as they need to get a consistent W's before the season ends.
Yes, a must win situation but tonight's game between the Rockets and Dallas is not looking good for them, unless they make a huge comeback. They are currently down 20 points. And Jalen Green must have been tired already as he is way below in points in their winning run. And if I'm not mistaken, at the start of the game, I see that that the Rockets are the slim favorite. But for those who have caught on the live betting, they could have betting on the Mavs with a 2.x odds and it will be good for Mavs backers. The Warriors vs Spurs are still far from over, Spurs are coming back in this game and let's see if Warriors are going to choke because I have a feeling that they will (hopefully, I'm wrong).