With the 2024-25 NBA regular season nearing its end, the postseason picture is becoming clearer as teams secure their places in the playoffs.
In each conference, the top six teams will automatically qualify for the playoffs. Teams ranked 7th to 10th will participate in a play-in tournament scheduled from April 15-18. From this tournament, two teams from each conference will advance to complete the final playoff bracket. The first round of the playoffs is set to begin on April 19.
Eastern Conference Qualification
In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers have established a significant lead over the Boston Celtics, the current champions, for the top seed. These are the only two teams in the East that have officially secured their playoff berths.
Western Conference Qualification
In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder have clinched the top seed for the second consecutive year. The race for the second seed remains tight, with the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Memphis Grizzlies all closely positioned within two games of each other.
Stay updated as more teams confirm their playoff and play-in spots.
Confirmed Teams
Eastern Conference Playoff/Play-in Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers (Playoff), Boston Celtics (Playoff), New York Knicks (Play-in*), Milwaukee Bucks (Play-in*), Indiana Pacers (Play-in*), Detroit Pistons (Play-in*)
Western Conference Playoff/Play-in Teams: Oklahoma City Thunder (1st Seed Playoff)
Eastern Conference Eliminated: To Be Determined
Western Conference Eliminated: Utah Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans
* Clinched at least a play-in tournament spot, playoff spot not yet guaranteed
Cleveland Cavaliers
Qualification: Playoff Spot, Central Division Champions
The Cavaliers are the first team to secure a playoff spot and are on track to clinch the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time since their championship season in 2015-16.
Cleveland’s strong season includes two winning streaks of at least 15 games, marking their start as one of the best in NBA history.
Last season, the Cavs were the No. 4 seed, defeating the Magic in the first round in seven games but were then eliminated by the Celtics in the conference semifinals in five games.
Boston Celtics
Qualification: Playoff Spot
The reigning NBA Finals champions are aiming for their 19th title, which would extend their record. They are likely to finish as the No. 2 seed in the East this season.
Last season, the Celtics were the top seed in the East and went on to win the NBA Finals against the Mavericks. Boston is currently in its 11th consecutive playoff appearance, the longest active streak in the league, and has reached the conference finals in four of the last five seasons.
New York Knicks
Qualification: Play-in Spot
The Knicks have reached the conference semifinals in the past two seasons, with their most recent exit last year against the Pacers in seven games. The Knicks have not advanced to the conference finals since 2000.
Milwaukee Bucks
Qualification: Play-in Spot
After securing a postseason spot, the Bucks are hoping to avoid another early playoff exit, following two consecutive first-round losses. The team’s key players, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, will be focused on staying healthy to make a strong playoff run.
Indiana Pacers
Qualification: Play-in Spot
Having reached the conference finals last season, the Pacers are returning to the postseason. With a relatively easier schedule remaining, they will aim to maintain a top-six seeding to guarantee a direct playoff spot.
Detroit Pistons
Qualification: Play-in Spot
After a challenging season last year with a 14-68 record, the Pistons are heading to the play-in tournament. Their last play-in appearance was in 2019, where they were swept by the Bucks in the first round.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Qualification: 1st Seed in the West, Northwest Division Champions
The Oklahoma City Thunder have secured the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the sixth time in their franchise history, including their time as the Seattle SuperSonics. This is their first time achieving this in consecutive seasons. Notably, the Thunder have an impressive record against Eastern Conference teams this season (24-1).
Last season, the Thunder were eliminated in the Western Conference semifinals by the Mavericks, who eventually played in the NBA Finals.
