Time is Ticking! The regular season wraps up in just six days.
Before the brackets are finalized …
Before the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament kicks off on April 15 …
Before the Playoffs commence on April 19 …
There are still plenty of unresolved issues.
For instance, six teams are clustered within two games in the West—a first since 2018 at this stage in the season.
5 STORIES IN TODAY’S EDITION 🏀
April 7, 2025
Heavyweight Showdowns: The Lakers take down the Thunder, while the Rockets snap the Warriors’ streak.
Roundup: The Pacers stay hot despite a 40-point triple-double from Jokic, and Brunson makes his comeback.
Trending in the West: Six teams are within a two-game range from 3rd to 8th place.
Trending in the East: Bucks vs. Pistons is crucial for 4th place amidst four teams on winning streaks heading into the Play-In.
BUT FIRST … ⏰
Two crucial games tonight, setting the stage for a thrilling final week.
Tonight’s Matches: Two games with playoff ramifications are on League Pass: Kings vs. Pistons at 7 ET (on NBA TV) and Sixers vs. Heat at 7:30 ET.
This Week’s Schedule (all times ET):
- Tuesday on TNT: Celtics vs. Knicks at 7:30, followed by Warriors vs. Suns at 10
- Wednesday on ESPN: Lakers vs. Mavs at 7:30, Nuggets vs. Kings at 10
- Thursday on TNT: Cavs vs. Pacers at 7, Wolves vs. Grizz at 9:30
- Friday on NBA TV: All teams in action, featuring Cavs vs. Knicks at 7:30 and Rockets vs. Lakers at 10:30 on NBA TV
- Sunday: Final day of regular season, with all teams playing starting at 1 and 3:30.
1. LAKERS DOMINATE THUNDER, ROCKETS END WARRIORS’ STREAK
The West-leading Thunder entered Sunday looking to extend their lead for the NBA’s best record.
However, they were up against one of the season’s most explosive shooting performances from the No. 3 team in the conference—complete with magic from Luka Dončić.
Lakers 126, Thunder 99: Luka scored 30, LeBron added 19, and L.A. shot 55% from three-point range, handing OKC its second straight loss, a rare occurrence this season. | Recap
- Setting The Pace: Winning four of five, L.A. held OKC under 100 for the first time since January 17.
- Three-Point Mastery: The Lakers hit a season-high 22 three-pointers, tying a franchise record and becoming only the ninth team this season to shoot 55% from beyond the arc on 40+ attempts.
2. ROUNDUP: PACERS BEAT NUGGETS DESPITE JOKIĆ’S TRIPLE-DOUBLE
Just three weeks ago, the Pacers were battling for 4th place; now, they’ve created some distance.
Pacers 125, Nuggets 120: Despite Jokic’s monster triple-double of 41 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists, Indianapolis secured its fourth straight victory, overcoming a 13-point deficit. | Recap
- Winning Streak: The Pacers have the best record in the NBA over the last three weeks at 10-2, securing 12 wins out of the last 15 games.
5. EASTERN CONFERENCE TRENDING: HOT STREAKS HEADING INTO PLAY-IN
All 10 playoff spots are filled in the East, with six teams securing their playoff seeds.
Excitement Grows: The Bucks hold a slim lead over the Pistons for the 5th seed, while the Play-In race is tight with Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago, and Miami all in the mix.
The next six days will reveal highly competitive matchups as postseason teams jockey for position.
- Play-In Push: Teams are fighting for position, making every game crucial as they approach the playoffs.
