We’re down to the last six weeks of the season, so expect the battle to heat up. In the Western Conference, six teams are still vying for the eighth seed, and no one is safe from getting an early vacation.

Memphis Grizzlies (32-32)

Games left: 18 (10 at home, nine on the road)

Games left against current playoff teams:  12

Games left against this group: 5

Key notes:

  • The Grizzlies currently hold the eighth spot in the West.
  • With 12 of their 18 remaining games going against current playoff teams, the Grizzlies have the hardest schedule among the group.
  • Despite a five-game losing streak in late February, the Grizzlies are still 18-10 in their last 28 games.
  • Ja Morant, the leading candidate for the Rookie of the Year award, is averaging 17.6 points and 7.0 assists on the season.
  • Second-leading scorer Jaren Jackson Jr. has returned from a knee injury after missing six games.

Sacramento Kings (28-36)

Games left: 19 (10 at home, nine on the road)

Games left against playoff teams: 9

Games left against this group: 3

Key notes:

  • The Kings are 13-6 in their last 18 games.
  • The Kings currently have the longest playoff drought in the NBA. They last made the playoffs in 2006.
  • De’Aaron Fox leads the team in points (20.4), assists (6.7), and steals (1.4). He has also scored 20 or more points in his last seven games.
  • Buddy Hield’s 235 three-pointers on the season is second only to James Harden.

New Orleans Pelicans (28-36)

Games left: 18 (nine at home, nine on the road)

Games left against playoff teams: 4

Games left against this group: 7

Key notes:

  • The Pelicans have the easiest remaining schedule among the group.
  • The Pelicans are 20-14 since December 19th, but they have lost four of their last six games.
  • The Pelicans are 28th in points allowed, and worst among the group.
  • Nine of their next 15 games will be on the road.
  • Zion Williamson is averaging 23.6 points on 58.8% shooting. He has scored 20 or more points in 15 of his 18 games this season.
  • Leading scorer Brandon Ingram is averaging 24.4 points this season. He is the runaway leader for the Most Improved Player of the Year award.

Portland Trail Blazers (28-37)

Games left: 17 (10 at home, seven on the road)

Games left against playoff teams: 10

Games left against this group: 2

Key notes:

  • The Blazers will have a seven-game road trip to close out the month of March.
  • The Blazers are 26th in points allowed and 27th in defensive efficiency.
  • Last year’s leading rebounder, Jusuf Nurkic, who is yet to play this season due to a broken leg, is set to return on March 16th.
  • Damian Lillard has returned from a groin injury after missing six games. He is averaging 35.7 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.4 threes per game in his last 14 outings.
  • CJ McCollum is averaging 31.4 points and 7.5 assists in his last seven games.

San Antonio Spurs (26-36)

Games left: 20 (11 at home, nine on the road)

Games left against playoff teams: 10

Games left against this group: 6

Key notes:

  • The Spurs have made the playoffs in each of the last 23 seasons.
  • The Spurs have lost nine of their last 13 games, allowing 117.8 points per game.
  • The Spurs have the fewest turnovers in the league (752, 12.3 per game)
  • Leading scorer DeMar DeRozan (22.3 PPG) is shooting a career-high 53% from the floor. He has 26 games this season where he has shot 57% or higher.
  • Second-leading scorer LaMarcus Aldridge has missed the last five games due to a shoulder injury.

Phoenix Suns (26-38)

Games left: 19 (seven at home, 12 on the road)

Games left against playoff teams: 10

Games left against this group: 2

Key notes:

  • The Suns have the second-longest active playoff drought in the NBA. They last made the playoffs in 2010.
  • The Suns have lost 11 of their last 17 games.
  • Among the group, the Suns have the most road games remaining and second-hardest schedule.
  • The Suns have one player each ranking inside the top 10 in points (Devin Booker, 25.9 PPG, 10th), rebounds (DeAndre Ayton, 12 RPG, sixth), and assists (Ricky Rubio, 8.9 APG, fourth).
  • Devin Booker is in his fourth-straight year leading the Suns in scoring.
  • Second-leading scorer Kelly Oubre Jr. had a knee surgery on March 3rd. He will be evaluated in four weeks but he is likely out for the season.