The Race for 8th in the Western Conference

The race for the 8th and last playoff spot in the Western Conference will go down to wire for three teams: Lakers, Jazz, and Mavericks

To say that things are close in the West would be a mild understatement. The three teams in the hunt for the final playoff spot are only 2 games apart with roughly 9 games left to play. Let's take a look at all three teams chances to make it.

Utah Jazz 

Currently the Utah Jazz hold sole possession of the 8th playoff spot. The also have the best home record (28-9) with 4 home games and 3 road games left on their schedule. They are also on 5-game win streak led by Al Jefferson averaging 19.8 points per game and shooting 54% from the floor. Taking a quick look at their schedule, I have them going 5-2 at best with losses at home to Denver and at Golden State. I think they will beat the Thunder on 4/6, since they will pretty disinterested and Memphis to close out the regular season on 4/17 because frankly they will need to. That would clinch the 8th spot without a doubt, but I have been wrong before.

Los Angeles Lakers 

Hard to imagine this team not making the playoffs after getting the number one free agent Dwight Howard and adding 2-time MVP Steve Nash in the offseason. Anyone that says they knew that this team would hover at the .500 mark needs to play the lottery. The best thing the Lakers have going for them is Kobe Bryant's will power. That is one of the few players Lakers fans can count on not to quit. The Lakers unfortunately have the hardest schedule of the three teams with games against Dallas, Clippers, Golden State, San Antonio, Memphis and Houston. At best, I have them going 4-4, but that is with a win against Dallas. A team that is just as desperate. 4-4 won't get it done, so it will take something that we have yet to see from this team this season, consistent good basketball. Kobe is still bothered by his foot injury. Steve Nash is nursing a hamstring and Metta World Peace is done for the season. Perfect opportunity for Dwight Howard to win over LakerNation right...

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks most important game in the 9 they have left is tonight against the Lakers. A win tonight could really open things up for this team. With a 6-3 record, they will be right there for the 8th spot. Five of their remaining games are against teams with worse records, thanks to the NBA for scheduling New Orleans twice. The also have two games against Denver also. They will need to win one of those to really have a shot at pulling off a miracle. My biggest hope is that they get to .500 so Dirk can cut off that Duck Dynasty beard.  The Mavericks however have a better chance than the Lakers to take over the 8th spot. They just have to continue to play like it.

- Rodney Fisher @RFSportsRadio