With the Clippers' defeat of the Memphis Grizzlies last night, the Portland Trail Blazers' playoff path is significantly clearer. The Grizzlies can no longer catch the Blazers in the standings due to the tiebreaker, so the Blazers are therefore guaranteed at least the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
All eyes now turn to the Dallas Mavericks: At 5:00 pm, the Mavericks and Spurs tip off. If the Mavericks lose, the Blazers are guaranteed the fifth seed before they ever take the court. If the Mavericks win, the Blazers must beat the Denver Nuggets in order to grab the fifth seed, and a date with the Los Angeles Clippers.