A loss by the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday will clinch the Phoenix Suns the Pacific Division and a top-2 seed in the Western Conference standings.
However, odds suggest the current No. 2 seed Suns will still have a chance to drop to No. 3 after the Clippers play the Houston Rockets on Friday night.
The Clippers are 10.5-point favorites to win in Houston, according to the majority of betting services.
Houston has the NBA’s worst record (16-54) and is currently on a seven-game skid. Going further back, the Rockets have lost 12 of their last 13 games.