Fifth easiest but the Pelicans have the easiest SOS left. I am fine with the Grizzlies or Pelicans making the playoffs but either will be slaughtered by the Lakers. This isn't a function of talent - its just that you have two very young teams with budding stars who are going to have to learn to play when the game gets mucked up, rotations are shorter and the space that the normal season affords isn't there anymore.How easy is Portland's?
I agree that the Blazers sans Lillard are an ugly ISO-mess. But I am intrigued about them with Lilllard, Nurkic and Collins back. If they can somehow sneak into the eighth spot, they could push the Lakers to six or even seven if they get thermonuclear Lillard back. He really was playing at a clear MVP level before his injury.
In any event, the race for this slot should be entertaining given the three teams involved.