If the past 10 games are a key measuring stick for playoff-bound teams¡¯ chances in the postseason ¡ª and those still in the hunt to secure the East¡¯s seventh and eighth spots (Shinshu and Fukushima are both 19-31 and Gunma is 18-32 entering the final weekend) ¡ª keep an eye on these five teams: Niigata, Sendai, Kyoto, Ryukyu and Shiga.
The Albirex and 89ers have both won nine of their past 10 contests, the latter is riding a nine-game streak. The Hannaryz, Golden Kings and Lakestars all have 8-2 marks in that same span.
Five squads, meanwhile, are 7-3 in that stretch: the expansion Firebonds, Toyama, Akita, Iwate and Hamamatsu.
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