NBA postseason tracker: Who clinched playoff, play-in spots?
As the 2024-25 NBA regular season approaches its conclusion, the playoff and play-in pictures are becoming clearer. Here's an updated overview of the teams that have secured their postseason positions as of March 31, 2025.
Eastern Conference
-
Cleveland Cavaliers: With a stellar 60–15 record, the Cavaliers were the first team to clinch a playoff berth on March 5 and have since secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Wikipedia
-
Boston Celtics: The defending champions clinched a playoff spot on March 14 and secured the Atlantic Division title on March 29. They currently hold the second seed with a 55–19 record. Wikipedia
-
New York Knicks: The Knicks secured a playoff berth on March 27 and are positioned as the third seed with a 47–27 record. Wikipedia
-
Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, and Detroit Pistons: These teams have clinched at least a play-in spot and are vying for direct playoff qualification. ESPN.com
Western Conference
-
Oklahoma City Thunder: Dominating the West, the Thunder clinched a playoff spot on March 12 and secured the No. 1 seed on March 20 with a 62–12 record. Wikipedia
-
Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Golden State Warriors: These teams have guaranteed at least a play-in berth and are competing for higher seeds to ensure direct playoff entry. Wikipedia
Play-In Tournament Overview
Teams finishing 7th through 10th in each conference will participate in the Play-In Tournament to determine the final two playoff spots per conference. In the East, the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat are currently in play-in positions. In the West, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, and Sacramento Kings occupy these spots. Diario AS+1Wikipedia+1FOX SportsWikipedia
Upcoming Games
Several key matchups in the coming days will influence playoff positioning and play-in scenarios. Here are some notable upcoming games:Yahoo Sports
Kings
Pacers
Heat
Wizards
Clippers
Magic
Jazz
Hornets
Celtics
Grizzlies
Bulls
Thunder
As the regular season winds down, teams are making strategic moves to bolster their postseason prospects. For instance, the Memphis Grizzlies recently parted ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins, citing the urgency of the season. Reuters+1ESPN.com+1
Fans can anticipate intense competition as teams battle for favorable seeding and the opportunity to compete for the NBA championship.
Note: Standings and clinching scenarios are subject to change based on ongoing game results.