2025 NBA Playoff Picture: Eastern Conference Seeds Finalized as Lakers Aim for No. 3 Seed in a Competitive Western Conference

The NBA playoff picture is shaping up as we near the end of the regular season. With the Indiana Pacers losing to the Orlando Magic and the Milwaukee Bucks winning against the Detroit Pistons, all playoff seeds in the Eastern Conference are now confirmed. Here’s how the matchups look:

• No. 7 Orlando vs. No. 8 Atlanta
• No. 9 Chicago vs. No. 10 Miami

In the first round, the matchups are:

• No. 1 Cavaliers vs. No. 8 (Orlando/Atlanta/Miami/Chicago)
• No. 2 Celtics vs. No. 7 (Orlando/Atlanta winner)
• No. 3 Knicks vs. No. 6 Pistons
• No. 4 Pacers vs. No. 5 Bucks

In the West, things are more uncertain. Currently, only the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets have secured their spots. The Los Angeles Lakers aim to clinch the No. 3 seed with a win against Houston. However, four teams—Nuggets, Clippers, Warriors, and Timberwolves—are in close competition for the remaining playoff spots.

As it stands, the Lakers have guaranteed themselves a top-six spot after winning against the Dallas Mavericks, despite the emotional return of Luka Dončić. The Warriors, after a surprising loss to the Spurs, had a stroke of luck with the Timberwolves defeating the Grizzlies. This weekend’s games will be crucial, with the Warriors facing the Blazers and the Clippers.

Here’s a rundown of who has clinched their playoff spots:

• All teams in the East are set.
• The Thunder secured the No. 1 seed, and the Rockets are at No. 2.
• The Lakers have also clinched a playoff spot.
• The Kings and Mavericks will enter the Play-In Tournament in the West.

The Play-In Tournament, which takes place from April 15 to 18, features the teams ranked 7 to 10 in each conference. The seventh seed will face the eighth seed for a playoff spot, while the ninth and tenth seeds will compete for the eighth spot on the line.

Understanding the dynamics of tiebreakers can be crucial, especially as we near the postseason. If two teams are tied, the one that won the season series takes the higher seed. If they split, then the division winner gets the advantage. For ties involving three or more teams, the tiebreakers become more complex, taking into account factors like conference records and point differentials.

As fans gear up for the 2025 NBA playoffs, they can look forward to key dates such as:

• April 13: Final day of the regular season
• April 15-18: Play-In Tournament
• April 19: Playoffs begin
• May 12: NBA Draft Lottery
• June 5: NBA Finals begin

As the playoff excitement builds, the strategies and matchups will be closely watched. Fans are engaging more than ever, taking to social media to discuss predictions and dream matchups. According to a recent poll, 68% of fans feel the current season has been one of the most competitive in years, echoing sentiments found in NBA discourse. This season could showcase some thrilling basketball.

For more details on the playoffs and updated standings, visit CBS Sports NBA.

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