What you missed this week in the NBA: The wild, wild East

Here are five things that you may have missed during the NBA week.

The stars were out in the NBA this week — in more ways than one. On one side of the equation, stars like LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Damian Lillard and D’Angelo Russell put up some big individual numbers and performances. On the other hand, stars like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Avery Bradley were out with injuries.

There are now less than 15 games remaining in the 2017-18 NBA regular season. For most teams, every game matters. Aside from the teams that are tanking (Bulls, Grizzlies, Suns, etc.), a majority of the NBA still has something to play for. In the East, 4.5 games separate the No. 3 seed from the No. 8 seed. Meanwhile, three through 10 in the West is separated by the same margin. At the top of the West, a game-and-a-half is the difference between the red-hot Rockets and a beat up Warriors squad.

As we head down the final stretch of road that is the 2017-18 NBA season, there are a few narratives to keep an eye on. For the first time in what feels like forever, the San Antonio Spurs are in danger of missing the playoffs. To make matters worse down in SA, Kawhi Leonard’s supposed return got pushed back. In addition, the Pacers currently occupy the third seed in the East. How far can or will James and the Cavs fall? There is a lot of excitement surrounding the final weeks of the regular season. Stay tuned for the narratives to come. But for now, here are five things you may have missed around the NBA this week.