As the regular season concludes with a 15-game Sunday schedule, only 50% of the playoff spots have been determined, allowing for potential shifts in 10 seeds. Below is an overview of the scenarios for each team’s playoff positioning.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
The top four teams have secured their playoff positions as we head into the regular-season finale.
- 1. Detroit (59-22)
- 2. Boston (55-26)
- 3. New York (53-28)
- 4. Cleveland (51-30)
Other Eastern teams still have uncertain playoff standings, and here’s how they can finalize their positions:
Atlanta (46-35):
The Hawks are currently No. 5 and can finish as No. 5 or No. 6. A victory over Miami locks them into No. 5, while a loss could still see them remain at No. 5 or drop to No. 6 depending on the outcomes of other games.
Toronto (45-36):
Standing at No. 6, the Raptors have chances to end up No. 5, No. 6, No. 7, or No. 8. Winning their match guarantees a top-six finish, but a loss allows for multiple scenarios depending on other team victories.
Orlando (45-36):
Currently in the No. 7 slot, the Magic can finish between No. 6, No. 7, or No. 8. A win solidifies at least the No. 7 position, while other outcomes hinge on their performance coupled with the Raptors’ results.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
The following teams have already secured their playoff positions as we approach Sunday’s matches:
- No. 1 Oklahoma City (64-17)
- No. 2 San Antonio (62-19)
- No. 5 Houston (51-30)
- No. 6 Minnesota (48-33)
- No. 7 Phoenix (44-37)
- No. 10 Golden State (37-44)
Four remaining teams will vie for better seedings, with distinct differences between the top half and the lower half of the Play-In Tournament bracket.
Denver (53-28):
The Nuggets can secure No. 3 or drop to No. 4 based on their performance against San Antonio. A win ensures No. 3, while a loss may cause them to fall in standings.
Los Angeles (52-29):
The Lakers are fighting for the same positions as Denver; a victory may elevate them to No. 3 if the Nuggets lose, but a loss guarantees they stay at No. 4.
Portland (41-40):
The Blazers, sitting at No. 8, aim to finish at No. 8 or No. 9. Winning their game ensures they hold the No. 8 seed, while a loss could result in a drop if the Clippers win.
LA Clippers (41-40):
The Clippers are also aiming for No. 8 or No. 9, needing a win against Golden State along with a loss from Portland to secure a better position.
