Memphis Grizzlies: Who’s close to challenging for that eighth seed?
By Ethan Becker
No. 2: The San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are probably everybody’s least likely pick to break into the playoffs, but it’s not incredibly clear why.
San Antonio has the second easiest schedule remaining in the Western Conference, and are tied with the New Orleans Pelicans for the 10th seed, with both teams sitting 3.5 games back from the eighth seed.
Over their next five games, three of them are against teams currently in the playoff race, though those three are against the bottom three playoff teams in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Pelicans will also face three playoff teams over their next five games, but those three are near the top of their respective conferences.
Both teams are looking at a playoff chance, but the Spurs are being constantly undervalued, especially considering their track record of making the playoffs despite tall odds. The Spurs have made the playoffs for the last 22 years, meaning they’ve been one of the best teams in the West during the dominant reigns of the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder, and more. Because of all this, there’s no reason the Spurs are underdogs to making the playoffs.