THE NBA : The Playoff Races

The two division winners, plus the teams with the six best records, qualify for postseason play:

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Team W L GB GR San Antonio** 56 18 -- 8 Seattle** 53 21 3 8 Utah* 53 22 3 1/2 7 Phoenix* 53 22 3 1/2 7 Lakers* 47 28 9 1/2 7 Houston* 44 31 12 1/2 7 Portland 39 35 178 Denver 36 39 20 1/2 7 Sacramento 35 39 21 8

CONTENDERS

Team W L GB GR Dallas 33 41 22 1/2 8

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Team W L GB GR Orlando** 54 21 -- 7 New York* 49 25 4 1/2 8 Indiana** 49 27 5 1/2 6 Charlotte* 46 29 8 7 Chicago* 41 34 13 7 Cleveland* 40 35 14 7 Atlanta 37 38 17 7 Boston 32 44 22 1/2 6

CONTENDERS

Team W L GB GR Milwaukee 30 45 24 7 Miami 29 46 25 7 New Jersey 28 47 26 7 Detroit 27 47 26 1/2 8

*Qualified for playoffs **Division leader, qualified for playoffs