The race for the Western Conference crown remains fascinating even as the NBA’s coronavirus suspension rolls into its third week. LeBron James and the Lakers are the likely favorites, though they are far from a lock to win three straight rounds against a stacked Western Conference. A conference finals against the Clippers looms, and Kawhi Leonard and Co. are a downright terrifying matchup for the Lakers. Denver and Utah have plausible–though unlikely–paths to the Finals.
The Rockets remain a great wild card. Houston could see an early exit in the first round, with potential changes to the front office and coaching staff potentially following.