Have the Spurs actually clinched a playoff spot? According to our friends at 538.com, the answer is as close to yes as one can get without actually clinching mathematically.
As a reminder, 538 was founded by political pollster Nate Silver. Nate made his name by correctly predicting elections, primarily presidential elections in which 538 “electors”, not the voters, actually choose our president. In any event, 538 has since broadened their horizons into other worthwhile projects, including sports.
After Tuesday’s win over Dallas, in which the Spurs’ stellar defense on Luka Doncic’s free throws made the difference, and the ensuing results since, 538 now has the Spurs at >99% chance of making the playoffs.