Updated standings:
#3 - Wolves: 38-26, next @ Blazers
#4 - Spurs: 36-25, next vs Pels
#5 - Blazers: 35-26, next vs Wolves
#6 - Pelicans: 35-26, next @ Spurs
#7 - Thunder: 35-27, next @ Mavs
The Nuggets with 2 losses fell from tied for 5th to 9th. Spurs had a big win at Cavs that was projected to be a Loss. Single games like that could easily make the difference in such a tight race. Portland will need to win all the games they should and win a few they aren't favored in to get HCA. Either that, or rely on teams to lose games they are expected to win. Any games against the bottom 10 teams in the standings are almost automatic wins as those teams seem to be tanking and their only wins are against each other.
MUST win for Portland against the Wolves. Thibs was in the stands last night likely devising how to get the ball out of Dame's hands. Teammates are going to have to step up.