We’ve reached the point of the NBA season where every night has playoff implications.
We now know the 20 teams that will participate in the playoffs and Play-In Tournament, but seeding is still very much up in the air as teams in both conferences jockey for positioning. Three of the top four seeds in the Eastern Conference have the same record, and the Cavaliers, Nets, Hawks and Hornets find themselves in a battle for important Play-In positioning.
What’s at stake on Wednesday? Here are the latest clinching scenarios, plus an updated look at the standings in the East and West.
NBA
There are no clinching scenarios on Wednesday, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything at stake.
The Celtics, Bucks and 76ers all have the same record and each have three games remaining on their schedule.
The 76ers will play the Raptors on Thursday, which could have implications on whether or not they remain top four in the East. A Philly loss to Toronto opens the door for the Raptors to potentially host a first-round series. The 76ers could shut the door on that with a victory in one of their last three games.
The Bucks and Celtics have a showdown on Thursday, which could determine who ends up with the No. 2 seed in the East. Boston currently owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over Milwaukee with a 2-1 season series lead. A Celtics win on Thursday could secure them homecourt advantage if the two were to meet up in the playoffs.
(Current through April 5 games)
*clinched NBA Playoff berth
**clinched NBA Play-In berth
Eliminated from NBA Playoff contention: Knicks, Magic, Pacers, Pistons, Wizards
Playoff positioning in the West isn’t as frantic as it is in the East. The Suns and Grizzlies have long clinched their postseason spots, holding the No. 1 and 2 seed, respectively.
The Warriors control their own destiny for the No. 3 seed in the West with the Mavs breathing down their necks. Golden State has the Lakers, Spurs and Pelicans left on its schedule. Dallas has the Pistons, Spurs and Trail Blazers on its schedule as it hopes for a Warriors slip up to overtake them in the standing.
Things can still get interesting with the Jazz and Nuggets as they battle for the No. 5 seed. In the Play-In Tournament, the Spurs and Pelicans are fighting for who will host their crucial winner-takes-all game next week.
(Current
*clinched NBA Playoff berth
**clinched NBA Play-In berth
Eliminated from NBA Playoff contention: Lakers, Kings, Rockets, Thunder, Trail Blazers
Today's NBA playoff clinching scenarios: Nets, Hawks battle for important Play-In positioning – Sporting News
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Aug 26, 2022
