The 2019-20 Western Conference is odd. The West has experienced, thus far, a significant shakeup in its playoff mix, contenders and standings.
Three teams that were in the playoffs last season currently stand outside it. San Antonio (though we’ll see, Dracula has a way of sticking around), Portland (we’ll see, but it isn’t looking great) and Golden State (almost certainly won’t make the playoffs).
Tonight the Trailblazers come to Houston with a 17-24 record. This might be fatal to playoff aspirations in seasons of the recent past. With the except of Golden State (it seems) every other team out of the playoff picture might make an 8th seed, if they time a run of good form auspiciously.