The NBA closed the 2025-26 regular season on Sunday, finalizing the six automatic playoff qualifiers in each conference and completing the field for this week’s play-in tournament.
Key Results on the Final Day
Toronto clinched its first postseason appearance since 2022 by defeating Brooklyn, climbing to No. 5 in the East and sending Philadelphia and Orlando to the play-in round. In the West, Portland’s win over Sacramento secured the No. 8 position, giving the Trail Blazers two chances to earn a playoff spot. The Clippers fell to No. 9 and now must win twice to advance.
Play-In Tournament Schedule
Eastern Conference
Tuesday, April 14
Game 1: Miami Heat (10) at Charlotte Hornets (9), 7:30 p.m. ET — winner advances to Friday, loser eliminated.
Wednesday, April 15
Game 2: Orlando Magic (8) at Philadelphia 76ers (7), 7:30 p.m. ET — winner claims the No. 7 seed, loser plays Friday.
Friday, April 17
Winner Game 1 at Loser Game 2, 7:30 p.m. ET — winner takes the No. 8 seed, loser eliminated.
Western Conference
Tuesday, April 14
Game 1: Portland Trail Blazers (8) at Phoenix Suns (7), 10:00 p.m. ET — winner secures the No. 7 seed, loser plays Friday.
Wednesday, April 15
Game 2: Golden State Warriors (10) at Los Angeles Clippers (9), 10:00 p.m. ET — winner advances to Friday, loser eliminated.
Friday, April 17
Winner Game 2 at Loser Game 1, 10:00 p.m. ET — winner secures the No. 8 seed, loser eliminated.
Top Six Seeds and Confirmed First-Round Series
Eastern Conference
1 Detroit Pistons vs. No. 8 play-in winner (opens April 19)
2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 play-in winner (opens April 19)
3 New York Knicks vs. 6 Atlanta Hawks (opens April 18)
4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5 Toronto Raptors (opens April 18)
Western Conference
1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 play-in winner (opens April 19)
2 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 7 play-in winner (opens April 19)
3 Denver Nuggets vs. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves (opens April 18)
4 Los Angeles Lakers vs. 5 Houston Rockets (opens April 18)
The remaining first-round pairings will be finalized once the play-in tournament concludes on April 17. Opening games of the playoffs are set for April 18 and 19.
Source: Hoops Rumors
