The 20 groups that can compete in both the playoffs or the play-in match (or each) have officially been set following the Rockets‘ loss to Dallas on Sunday, per the NBA.
There’s nonetheless a lot to be determined within the season’s ultimate week, together with precisely which six groups in every convention will safe playoff spots with out having to win one or two play-in video games. Nevertheless, with the Rockets’ elimination, we at the very least know which groups from each the West and East will play past the top of the common season.
The Nuggets, Timberwolves and Thunder have already clinched playoff berths within the West, whereas the Clippers‘ magic quantity for a playoff spot is down to 1. The Mavericks are additionally properly positioned to say a top-six seed following their win on Sunday. They’re adopted within the standings by the Suns, Pelicans, Lakers, Kings and Warriors.
4 of these groups will compete within the play-in match for 2 playoff spots, however the precise play-in contributors and matchups stay very a lot up within the air. Of the Western groups, Golden State is the one digital lock to be a play-in crew, because the Dubs are presently 4 video games out of sixth place.
Over within the Jap Convention, the Celtics are the lone membership to safe a playoff berth up to now and have additionally clinched the No. 1 seed. They’re adopted by the Bucks, Magic, Knicks, Cavaliers, Pacers, Warmth and Sixers, with the Bulls and Hawks properly out of eighth place and locked into the No. 9 vs. 10 play-in sport.
The East’s playoff race stays tight, with No. 2 Milwaukee and No. 8 Philadelphia separated by solely 4.5 video games on the time of this writing.
