The final day of the NBA's regular season promises to be a thrilling spectacle as teams jostle for playoff seeding and play-in tournament positions. In the Western Conference, Oklahoma City, Minnesota, and Denver are all vying for the coveted No. 1 seed, with each team holding a record of 56-25. The Eastern Conference is equally chaotic, with seeds from No. 2 to No. 8 still up for grabs.
With all 30 teams in action on Sunday, nine seeds will be decided, three first-round playoff matchups determined, and three play-in matchups set. The Boston Celtics have secured the No. 1 seed in the East, while the Los Angeles Clippers are locked in at No. 4 in the West, set to face the Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs.
Key Scenarios for the Final Day
West 1 through 3
Oklahoma City, Minnesota, and Denver are in contention for the top seed in the West. Denver needs a win and losses by both the Timberwolves and Thunder to clinch the No. 1 spot. Minnesota can secure the top seed with a win and help from other outcomes, while Oklahoma City's path to No. 1 is more complex, depending on various scenarios.
East 2 through 4
Milwaukee, New York, and Cleveland are battling for seeding in the East. Milwaukee can secure the No. 2 seed with a win, while New York and Cleveland need specific results to move up in the standings.
East 5 through 8
Orlando, Indiana, Philadelphia, and Miami are embroiled in a tight race for playoff positioning. All four teams have a shot at finishing between fifth and eighth place, with two teams set to skip the play-in tournament and head straight to the playoffs.
West 6 and 7
Phoenix and New Orleans are vying for seeding in the West. Phoenix must win and have the Pelicans lose to secure the No. 6 seed.
West 8 through 10
Sacramento, the Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State are competing for the final playoff spots in the West. The Lakers control their destiny, needing a win to secure the No. 8 seed.
Other Notable Developments
Washington and Detroit are set to finish with historically poor winning percentages, ensuring they have the best odds in the upcoming draft lottery. The Hornets could also secure a high lottery pick depending on their final game result.
As the regular season draws to a close, the NBA landscape is filled with uncertainty and excitement, setting the stage for a thrilling postseason ahead.
