The Pistons, leading the East, fell to the Thunder in overtime during a significant game on Monday.
Although we know the 20 teams headed for the playoffs, there are still important outcomes to be determined in the final two weeks of the regular season for 2025-26.
In the Eastern Conference, both the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics have secured playoff spots with top-six finishes. The top four teams have created a gap, while the competition for seeds 5-10 remains tightly contested, with only a 3.5-game difference.
Over in the Western Conference, the Thunder and Spurs have also confirmed their playoff positions and will compete for the top seed. Currently, the Thunder, the defending champions, have a 2.5-game advantage, but the Spurs possess the tiebreaker should things come down to that. Seeds 3-6 are closely packed, with just three games separating them.
Given the nail-biting nature of these races, here are eight key games to watch this week that could significantly influence the playoff landscape.
March 31
• Portland Trail Blazers at LA Clippers (11 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)
This contest features two teams on the edge of the Play-In Tournament: the Clippers at No. 8 (39-36) and the Blazers at No. 9 (38-38). The top two teams in this context have a better chance of securing playoffs, while the bottom two must win twice for the No. 8 seed. This is their first of two remaining matchups, making a victory crucial for Portland, who trails the Clippers and needs to win to clinch the tiebreaker.
April 1
• Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic (7 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass)
While the No. 6 (guaranteed playoff spot) and No. 7 (first Play-In position) gap continues to be important, this game is key. Atlanta (42-33) visits Orlando (39-35) as both teams battle for playoff positioning. The Hawks, having won 16 of their last 18 games, trail the No. 5 Raptors by half a game, while Orlando tries to fend off Miami and Charlotte in the Play-In race.
April 2
• Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder (9:30 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
This marks the first of two meetings between these Western Conference powerhouses in just five days. Although the Lakers (48-26) cannot overtake the Thunder (59-16) in the standings, the games are critical for maintaining their No. 3 position. The Lakers have the tiebreakers against teams below them, reinforcing their playoff position.
April 3
• Minnesota Timberwolves at Philadelphia 76ers (7:30 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass)
In this important matchup, both teams are seeking to solidify their postseason spots. The Timberwolves hold No. 5 in the West by virtue of a tiebreaker over the Rockets, while the 76ers, currently at No. 7, hope to move up from half a game behind the Hawks and one game back of the Raptors.
April 4
• San Antonio Spurs at Denver Nuggets (3 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
In this critical meeting, the second-seeded Spurs (56-18) face off against the fourth-seeded Nuggets (48-28). The teams have split their earlier encounters. While the Spurs are firmly in the playoff picture, the Nuggets are battling to secure their position and avoid slipping to the Play-In round. This game features two top MVP candidates, with Wembanyama and Jokić facing off.
April 5
• Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors (10 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)
This clash between the sixth-seeded Rockets (45-29) and the tenth-seeded Warriors (36-39) holds major implications for both teams. Houston seeks to bolster its playoff spot, while the Warriors aim to improve from the Play-In position they currently occupy. A crucial factor will be Stephen Curry’s availability as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
