Here’s How the Tournament of Western, Eastern Conference Groups Will Look Like

With solely three video games remaining within the 2024-25 NBA common season, playoff mania is slowly coming to life.

The playoff state of affairs is way from remaining, however anticipation builds up every day for each crew. If the 2025 NBA playoffs occurred right this moment, this is what it might appear to be.

Western Conference Playoff Battle: Five Contenders, Three Spots

Though the Oklahoma City Thunder have secured the No. 1 seed and the Houston Rockets have clinched No. 2, the remainder of the West is up for grabs. The Los Angeles Lakers have sealed their playoff spot after an important victory over Dallas, however three positions are nonetheless within the stability, USA Today experiences.

True insanity is within the logjam they’ve created behind them- the Nuggets, Clippers, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Grizzlies are all only one sport aside. With all groups having 47-33 to 48-32 information, each final matchup will imply one thing in seeding.

The Golden State Warriors, as soon as once more in charge of their playoff destiny, play the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday and the Clippers on Sunday.

The Dubs should shut sturdy, significantly after their beautiful defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. To the aid of Golden State, the Timberwolves’ victory over the Grizzlies stored their hopes alive.

Eastern Conference: Cavs Secure No. 1, Celtics Remain Favorites

In the East, although, it is the Cleveland Cavaliers taking the highest seed after profitable their 63rd sport. But the second-place Boston Celtics are nonetheless the convention title favorites to win all of it at -155 on FanDuel.

In addition to the Cavs and Celtics, the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Detroit Pistons have secured playoff berths. The No. 5 seed stays out there, with Milwaukee and Detroit dealing with off in a pivotal Friday-Sunday collection. The Pistons want to brush each video games to overhaul the Bucks within the standings.

According to Sports Illustrated, the Pistons have an opportunity to be the fifth seed if the chance favors the crew.

In the meantime, the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat are all dedicated to subsequent week’s Eastern Play-In Tournament.

2025 NBA Playoff Bracket: If the Season Ended Today

Eastern Conference

• (1) Cavaliers vs. Play-In Winner
• (2) Celtics vs. Play-In Winner
• (3) Knicks vs. (6) Pistons
• (4) Pacers vs. (5) Bucks

Western Conference

• (1) Thunder vs. Play-In Winner
• (2) Rockets vs. Play-In Winner
• (3) Lakers vs. (6) Warriors
• (4) Nuggets vs. (5) Clippers

Play-In Tournament Breakdown

The NBA Play-In Tournament will resolve the final two playoff spots in every convention. Here is how it’s executed:

• The seventh seed performs at dwelling in opposition to the eighth seed; the winner will get the No. 7 seed.
• The loser then performs the winner of the ninth vs. tenth sport for the No. 8 seed.

Important Dates to Keep in Mind

NBA followers must pay attention to these key schedules, so they will not miss any essential matches because the common season concludes.

• April 13: Regular season ends
• April 15-18: Play-In Tournament
• April 19: NBA Playoffs begin
• May 12: NBA Draft Lottery
• June 5: NBA Finals start