Wembanyama Spurs, Thunder Top Western Contenders

With three days left, the West's playoff teams are set but seeding is unsettled, while five Eastern clubs fight for the final two spots. The Thunder and Spurs look most like Finals contenders; the defending champs have been dominant and San Antonio, led by MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama, has exceeded expectations despite questions about youth and experience. The Lakers are a wild card while Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves recover, and it is hard to see LeBron carrying an ill roster deep. Merlin sees health and poise deciding more than talent. Detroit grabbed the East's top seed but may be too green to reach the Finals. Boston has surged since Jayson Tatum returned, yet the Knicks remain a real threat. In the West, matchups will show whether the Spurs' ceiling or the Thunder's championship muscle wins out.