NBA playoff picture: All of the scenarios and stakes for postseason contenders down the stretch run

The NBA playoff picture will come into clearer view each day between now and the end of the regular season on April 12. In the meantime, we will provide detailed daily updates on the landscape, including magic numbers, remaining schedules and the stakes for every day’s slate of games.

Jump to: Western Conference

EASTERN CONFERENCE

In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, in some order, appear bound for the top four playoff seeds and home-court advantage in the opening round. The Pistons, who hold a five-game lead on the Celtics and Knicks, are almost certain to capture the East’s No. 1 seed, barring a complete meltdown in the absence of injured Cade Cunningham (collapsed lung).

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Who, exactly, those four teams will play in the opening round is entirely up for grabs, as just two wins separate the fifth seed from the 10th seed. The Toronto Raptors, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat are all jockeying for position down the stretch of a season that has surpassed 70 games.

Technically, the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls are still alive for postseason contention, though they are locked in a different kind of race — one for lottery odds.

Playoff-bound, seeding to be determined

Record: 52-19 | Net rating: 8.0 (2nd)

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Remaining schedule: ATL, NOP, @MIN, @OKC, TOR, MIN, @PHI, @ORL, MIL, @CHA, @IND

Highest possible finish: No. 1 seed

Lowest possible finish: No. 4 seed

What’s at stake: The No. 1 seed and home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Battling for guaranteed playoff spot

Record: (47-24) | Net rating: 7.8 (3rd)

Magic number for No. 2 seed: 11

Remaining schedule: OKC, ATL, @CHA, @ATL, @MIA, @MIL, TOR, CHA, @NYK, NOP, ORL

Highest possible finish: No. 1 seed

Lowest possible finish: No. 10 seed

What’s at stake: The No. 2 seed and home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Record: 48-25 | Net rating: 6.8 (5th)

Magic number for No. 3 seed: 8

Remaining schedule: @CHA, @OKC, @HOU, @MEM, CHI, @ATL,…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/nba-playoff-picture-all-of-the-scenarios-and-stakes-for-postseason-contenders-down-the-stretch-run-173254675.html

Author : Ben Rohrbach

Publish date : 2026-03-25 17:32:00

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