The Old West is no more.(NBA)

You usually think of the Western Conference playoffs as members-only. But that half of the postseason bracket now has an open-door policy.

No fewer than four playoff teams from last season are on their way to being shown the door. Meanwhile, the rejuvenated Lakers and Timberwolves and lottery staples such as the Warriors and Clippers are the new comers out West.

The possible goners? The Nuggets, Kings, Sonics and Rockets. Those teams have plummeted in the standings, and injuries and/or poor chemistry are giving their seasons a snakebitten look.

Nuggets, They rodea 25-4 run after the All-Star break to a 49-33 record last season. This season, they have fallen victim to injuries and late-game collapses. Nene suffered a season-ending torn ACL on opening night, and Earl Boykins and Kenyon Martin have missed portions of the first two months.

More recently, center Marcus Camby, the team's heart and soul--not to mention its best defender, rebounder and shot blocker--fractured his finger. He is expected to be out at least another couple of weeks.

All the lineup uncertainty has translated into Carmelo Anthony's trying to figure out how much shooting is too much and the Nuggets' turning eight fourth quarter leads into losses. The one thing working in Denver's favor is its below-average division. Forty-three wins might get it done.

Kings. They also are banged up, but their problems started when they poked at coach Rick Adelman's pride during their offseason flirtation with Phil Jackson. Then in came Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Bonzi Wells and out went hustle and flow.