With just two weeks left in the 2024-25 NBA regular season, the playoff matchups are starting to take shape. Fans and teams are closely watching the standings as we approach the playoffs. We will provide daily updates on the playoff picture until the end of the regular season on Sunday, April 13.
In the Western Conference, the Thunder have secured the top seed and home-court advantage for at least the first three playoff rounds, having already won over 60 games this season. In the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers are ahead of the Celtics by 4.5 games for the top seed. Boston has already clinched the Atlantic Division title after their eighth consecutive victory on Saturday. The Knicks have also secured a playoff spot in the East, helped by a loss from the Hawks.
While the Thunder`s position in the West is set, the battle for the second seed is still ongoing among the Rockets, Nuggets, Lakers, and Grizzlies, who have been close in the standings for a while. The competition for the sixth seed, the last guaranteed playoff spot in the West, is also intense, with the Warriors, Clippers, and Timberwolves all vying for it.
In the Eastern Conference, the likely playoff teams are mostly decided. The 76ers, Raptors, and Nets seem more focused on the draft lottery than the Play-In Tournament. The Hawks, Magic, Bulls, and Heat are expected to be the Play-In Tournament teams in the East this year. In the West, the Suns are aiming for the final postseason spot and need to overtake the Mavericks or Kings if they want to reach the playoffs.
As of Sunday, March 30, here are the current 2024-25 NBA playoff standings.
Who Has Clinched a Playoff Spot?
- The Thunder have clinched the No. 1 seed in the West.
- The Cavaliers have clinched a playoff spot in the East.
- The Celtics have clinched the Atlantic Division title.
- The Knicks have clinched a playoff spot in the East.
NBA Playoff Picture
Playoff probabilities are based on SportsLine simulations.
Eastern Conference Standings
| Rank | Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Chances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleveland – x | 59 | 15 | — | 100% |
| 2 | Boston – x | 55 | 19 | 4.0 | 100% |
| 3 | New York – x | 46 | 27 | 12.5 | 100% |
| 4 | Indiana | 43 | 31 | 16.0 | 98.0% |
| 5 | Detroit | 42 | 32 | 17.0 | 88.6% |
| 6 | Milwaukee | 40 | 33 | 18.5 | 88.5% |
| 7 | Orlando | 36 | 39 | 23.5 | 60.9% |
| 8 | Atlanta | 35 | 38 | 23.5 | 73.4% |
| 9 | Chicago | 33 | 41 | 26.0 | 3.1% |
| 10 | Miami | 33 | 41 | 26.0 | 60.6% |
Western Conference Standings
| Rank | Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Chances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma City – x | 61 | 12 | — | 100% |
| 2 | Houston | 48 | 26 | 14.0 | 94.4% |
| 3 | Denver | 47 | 28 | 15.5 | 100% |
| 4 | L.A. Lakers | 45 | 29 | 17.0 | 78.4% |
| 5 | Memphis | 44 | 30 | 18.0 | 99.8% |
| 6 | L.A. Clippers | 42 | 31 | 19.5 | 85.7% |
| 7 | Golden St. | 42 | 31 | 19.5 | 65.0% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 42 | 32 | 20.0 | 78.9% |
| 9 | Dallas | 37 | 38 | 25.5 | 61.3% |
| 10 | Sacramento | 36 | 38 | 26.0 | 31.5% |
| 11 | Phoenix | 35 | 39 | 27.0 | 3.5% |
x = clinched playoff spot
Remember, the top six teams from each conference automatically qualify for the 16-team playoffs. The remaining four spots will be decided through the Play-In Tournament, involving teams ranked 7-10 in each conference. The 7th-ranked team will host the 8th-ranked team for the 7th seed. The loser of that game will then play against the winner of the game between the 9th and 10th ranked teams for the 8th seed.
The Eastern Conference has a clear top six as the regular season nears its end. In the Western Conference, the Timberwolves and Clippers are aiming to overtake the Warriors and Rockets in the standings.
Key Dates for the 2025 NBA Playoffs
- April 13: Regular Season Ends
- April 15-18: Play-In Tournament
- April 19: Playoffs Start
- May 12: NBA Draft Lottery
- June 5: NBA Finals Begin
