Tight Races Across Conferences
As the NBA regular season draws to a close, with just one day left, only five out of twenty playoff and play-in seeds are confirmed. The battles for the top seed in the Western Conference and the second seed in the Eastern Conference remain open, with six teams still vying to avoid the play-in tournament and secure direct playoff berths. The final day promises potential for significant changes.
Confirmed Seeds
Currently, the Boston Celtics have secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference, ensuring home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. In the Eastern Conference play-in tournament, the Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks occupy the 9th and 10th spots, respectively. In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Clippers have clinched the 5th seed and will face the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.
Eastern Conference Battles
In the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers are still in contention for the second seed. The Bucks hold the advantage and can secure the spot by defeating the Orlando Magic in their final game.
However, the Magic are also fighting for a playoff spot, currently tied with the Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat in the 5th to 8th positions. Only two of these teams will advance directly to the playoffs. The final games for the Pacers, 76ers, and Heat will be against the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, and Toronto Raptors, respectively.
Western Conference Scenarios
In the Western Conference, a historic scenario unfolds as three teams enter the final day with identical records, all vying for the top seed. Only the Oklahoma City Thunder control their destiny, needing a win to claim the top spot. The defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, face an uphill battle, needing not only a win but also losses by the Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves to secure the top seed.
The New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns will determine the 6th seed in the West on the final day. The Pelicans host the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Suns face off against the top-seeded Timberwolves.
Play-In Tournament Seeding Uncertainty
The play-in tournament seeds in the 8th to 10th positions in the Western Conference are also up for grabs. Currently, the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors occupy these spots. The Kings host the Portland Trail Blazers, while the Warriors host the Utah Jazz in their final games.
Draft Lottery Contention
In the race for the top draft pick, the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards have confirmed winning percentages of less than 20%, marking the fifth time in NBA history that two teams have had such low winning percentages in a single season. The remaining 14% chance of securing the top pick is contested by the Charlotte Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, and Trail Blazers. The Hornets will secure the third-worst record with a loss, while the Spurs have decided to rest last year’s top pick, Victor Wembanyama, in their final game. (BK8F)
