The NBA regular season closed Sunday, finalizing the postseason picture and confirming the eight play-in participants that will vie for the final four playoff berths this week.
Key Results on the Final Day
• In the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Brooklyn Nets to clinch their first postseason appearance since 2022 and climb to the No. 5 seed. That outcome pushed both the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic into the play-in round.
• Out West, the Portland Trail Blazers secured the No. 8 spot by beating the Sacramento Kings. Portland now owns two chances to reach the playoffs, while the Los Angeles Clippers slipped to No. 9 and must win twice to advance.
Play-In Schedule
Eastern Conference
Tuesday: (10) Miami Heat at (9) Charlotte Hornets — loser eliminated, winner moves on
Wednesday: (8) Orlando Magic at (7) Philadelphia 76ers — winner earns No. 7 seed
Friday: Winner of Heat/Hornets at loser of Magic/76ers — winner claims No. 8 seed
Western Conference
Tuesday: (8) Portland Trail Blazers at (7) Phoenix Suns — winner earns No. 7 seed
Wednesday: (10) Golden State Warriors at (9) Los Angeles Clippers — loser eliminated, winner moves on
Friday: Winner of Warriors/Clippers at loser of Blazers/Suns — winner secures No. 8 seed
First-Round Matchups
Eastern Conference
(1) Detroit Pistons vs. No. 8 (play-in winner)
(2) Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 (play-in winner)
(3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Toronto Raptors
Western Conference
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 (play-in winner)
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 7 (play-in winner)
(3) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
(4) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Houston Rockets
The play-in tournament begins Tuesday night, with all first-round series set to start once the final seeds are decided.
Source: Hoops Wire
