The Nuggets and Lakers clinched playoff spots on Tuesday. Both teams entered tonight’s action in position to clinch those spots if the Suns lost, according to the league office. Phoenix obliged by falling to Orlando, 1115-111.
Los Angeles, which also secured the Pacific Division title on Tuesday, is trying to hold off Denver for the third spot in the Western Conference. Both teams are trying to stay ahead of the Timberwolves and Rockets — the fifth and sixth place teams in the standings — to secure home-court advantage during the first round of the playoffs.
The Lakers have ridden the excellence of Luka Doncic, the league’s top scorer, to go 15-2 over the last 17 games. Carried by their MVP candidate, Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets have overcome injuries throughout the season and head into Wednesday’s action on a six-game winning streak.
The Lakers and Nuggets join the Thunder and Spurs as teams in the Western Conference that have already secured playoff berths.