The question for the final spot in the Western Conference is this: Who would you prefer to see go berserk in the playoffs, Russell Westbrook or Anthony Davis? With three games remaining both for the New Orleans Pelicans and the Oklahoma City Thunder and the same teams sporting identical records of 43-37, the outcome of who becomes first round fodder for the league-leading Golden State Warriors is still an intriguing discussion.

Truth be told, both teams would qualify for the playoffs if records are only considered and conferences are scrapped altogether and just allow the 16 teams with the best records to march on. Heck, even Phoenix and Utah have a fighters chance to qualify but that is just the way it is and right now, only the Pelicans and the Thunder have the last tickets to the final dance. Let us examine how they will get there:

New Orleans Pelicans:

Record: 43-37, 8th Place Tied with Thunder (Pelicans Hold Tiebreaker)

Remaining Games: at Minnesota (Apr. 13), vs. San Antonio (Apr. 15)

The New Orleans Pelicans only need to win out and they will lock in on the final playoff spot in the ultra-competitive West and book a date with the Warriors. However, the final game of the season, against the defending champions San Antonio Spurs might just determine the fate of the team.

The Pelicans were just gifted with another opportunity after Russell Westbrook was assessed his 16th technical foul of the season, which would mean he would have to sit out the next game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Thunder coach Scott Brooks is confident of the chances of that call being reversed but a Westbrook absence in the next game is a big blow to the team’s chances. Meaning, the Pelicans are really favoured to make its first playoff appearance dating back to 2010 when Chris Paul was still running he team.

It will be intriguing to find out if Davis and his supporting cast of Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans, Ryan Anderson and Omer Asik will be well equipped to give the Warriors all kinds of match-up problems in the first round. There is also the return of ace point guard Jrue Holiday, who if healthy, can provide the defence the team needs against Most Valuable Player candidate Stephen Curry.

Oklahoma City Thunder:

Record: 43-37, 8th Place Tied with Thunder (Pelicans Hold Tiebreaker)

Remaining Games: vs. Portland (Apr. 13), at Minnesota (Apr. 15)

The Thunder blew a golden opportunity to inch ahead of the Pelicans when it squandered the career high of Russell Westbrook (54 points) against the Indiana Pacers due to spotty free throw shooting. The team is also facing the possibility of losing its star guard for the next game after the UCLA product was assessed his 16th technical foul of the season. The league reviews all technical fouls and coach Brooks is confident of its reversal nevertheless, the team has its hands full on the task of grabbing the eighth and final playoff spot in the West.

There is no other recourse but to win out the last two games and hope for a loss for the Pelicans, probably against the Spurs who are also jockeying for playoff position. The possibility of Westbrook blowing up all kinds of records in the playoffs is still in play and the lone idea that he can eke out a win or two for this undermanned squad is reminiscent of Allen Iverson and his Phildelphia 76ers teams, which is always a treat.

For concerns on this story, contact the author at hidalgovincentpaul@gmail.com.

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