Amid the NBA trade rumors, the NBA standings 2025 is getting all scrambled once again with teams chasing the playoffs that are taking place in a few weeks. As the final stretch comes to a close, the NBA playoff picture is getting clearer.

The postseason records are partially coming in clutch, and it will just be a matter of time before we see which teams will make it to the playoff tree.

Top Seeds in Each Conference Almost Locked

NBA Standings 2025: Who's Going to Make it to the NBA Standings 2025: Who's Going to Make it to the
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Although nothing is confirmed at this time, the battle for the No. 1 seed in both conferences is virtually wrapped up. According to CBS Sports, the Cleveland Cavaliers lead the Boston Celtics by an imposing eight games in the Eastern Conference with fewer than 20 games left.

In the Western Conference, on the other hand, the Oklahoma City Thunder have simply blown everyone away, already having a playoff berth clinched. Their main rivals for the No. 2 seeding are the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Memphis Grizzlies, all of whom remain in a fight for position.

Playoff Spots and Seeding Battles

The Celtics, off a win over the Miami Heat, have locked up their playoff spot and lead the third-place New York Knicks by six games, according to Bleacher Report. This assures them of the likely No. 2 seed in the East. Aside from that, the seeding race is up for grabs with teams vying above and below the cut-off line of the Play-In Tournament.

Teams That Have Clinched Playoff Spots

As of March 16, this is how teams that booked their ticket to the playoffs currently stand:

  • Cleveland Cavaliers – Won division crown in the East.
  • Boston Celtics – Locked a playoff berth in the East.
  • Oklahoma City Thunder – Won a playoff berth in the West.

With a couple of weeks remaining in the season, the top six in the East appear well set. In the West, though, sides such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and LA Clippers are yet to secure top-six finishes over the Golden State Warriors and Rockets.

How the NBA Play-In Tournament Works

The top six in each conference qualify for the 16-team NBA Playoffs outright. But the last four are decided by the Play-In Tournament, featuring the No. 7 through No. 10 seeds per conference. This is how it is done:

  • Game 1: The seventh team plays the eighth team at home. The winner earns the No. 7 seed.
  • Game 2: The ninth team plays the tenth team. The loser goes home.
  • Game 3: Game 1 loser plays Game 2 winner for No. 8 seed.

2025 NBA Playoffs Key Dates You Shouldn't Forget

The following are the most significant dates to pencil in your calendar:

  • April 13 – Last day of the regular season.
  • April 15-18 – NBA Play-In Tournament.
  • April 19 – Start of NBA Playoffs.
  • May 12 – NBA Draft Lottery.
  • June 5 – NBA Finals tip-off.

As the regular season is coming to a close, teams are leaving no stone unturned to gain the optimal positioning for a deep postseason push. Tune in as we continue to follow the standings and top storylines into the postseason.