NBA Postseason Tracker: Teams Clinching Playoff Spots

With less than a month remaining in the 2024-25 NBA regular season, the playoff landscape is becoming clearer as teams secure their spots in the postseason. The top six teams from each conference will automatically enter the playoffs, while teams ranking 7th to 10th will compete in the play-in tournament scheduled for April 15-18. The top eight teams from each conference will then proceed to the playoffs, with the first round starting on April 19.

Eastern Conference Leaders

In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers have taken a commanding lead and are on track to clinch the No. 1 seed for the first time since their championship-winning season in 2015-16. The Cavaliers, who have already secured a playoff spot, have had a remarkable season highlighted by two separate winning streaks of at least 15 games.

Following closely are the reigning NBA Champions, the Boston Celtics, who have secured at least a playoff spot for the 11th consecutive season. Despite likely finishing as the No. 2 seed this season, the Celtics are aiming for their record-extending 19th title.

The New York Knicks have at least secured a spot in the play-in tournament, continuing their push towards a deeper playoff run after advancing to the conference semifinals in the past two seasons.

Western Conference Standings

In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder are leading the pack, aiming to clinch the No. 1 seed for the second consecutive season. Following a strong season, including an impressive 22-1 record against Eastern Conference teams, the Thunder are poised for a significant postseason impact.

The race for the No. 2 seed remains highly competitive, with the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Houston Rockets all within two games of each other, making the final stretch of the regular season particularly thrilling.

Teams Eliminated

As teams secure their spots, the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans in the Western Conference have already been eliminated from playoff contention, with more eliminations expected as the regular season concludes.

Stay tuned for more updates as the 2024-25 NBA Playoff picture continues to develop!