At first glance, it doesn't look like much has changed since we last looked in on the Western Conference playoff race five days ago, and in some respects, that's true. Other than the Spurs jumping up into a tie for fifth, the order is still the same as it was prior to the Trail Blazers' road back-to-back last weekend.
But some of the variables that can end up defining the first-round playoff matches have started to lock in as we inch toward the end of the regular season. The Pelicans, Grizzlies and Mavericks have all joined the Suns in being eliminated from playoff contention while the Warriors and Nuggets are both assured of making the postseason.