Three teams are in the hunt for the Eastern Conference's fourth and final playoff berth. But in a month a clearer picture should emerge as to which team will be the favorite.
Right now, though, the Toyama Grouses (14-22), Saitama Broncos (13-24) and Tokyo Apache (13-24) all have a legitimate shot at earning a playoff spot.
The Tokyo-Saitama series began on Wednesday and wrapped up on Thursday at Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 2. The Broncos, coming short on a spirited fourth-quarter comeback, dropped the opener 88-82.