With only three games remaining in the 2024-25 NBA regular season, playoff mania is slowly coming to life.
The playoff scenario is far from final, but anticipation builds up each day for every team. If the 2025 NBA playoffs happened today, here's what it would look like.
Western Conference Playoff Battle: Five Contenders, Three Spots
Though the Oklahoma City Thunder have secured the No. 1 seed and the Houston Rockets have clinched No. 2, the rest of the West is up for grabs. The Los Angeles Lakers have sealed their playoff spot after a crucial victory over Dallas, but three positions are still in the balance, USA Today reports.
True madness is in the logjam they've created behind them- the Nuggets, Clippers, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Grizzlies are all just one game apart. With all teams having 47-33 to 48-32 records, every last matchup will mean something in seeding.
The Golden State Warriors, once again in control of their playoff fate, play the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday and the Clippers on Sunday.
The Dubs must close strong, particularly after their stunning defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. To the relief of Golden State, the Timberwolves' victory over the Grizzlies kept their hopes alive.
Eastern Conference: Cavs Secure No. 1, Celtics Remain Favorites
In the East, though, it's the Cleveland Cavaliers taking the top seed after winning their 63rd game. But the second-place Boston Celtics are still the conference title favorites to win it all at -155 on FanDuel.
In addition to the Cavs and Celtics, the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Detroit Pistons have secured playoff berths. The No. 5 seed remains available, with Milwaukee and Detroit facing off in a pivotal Friday-Sunday series. The Pistons need to sweep both games to overtake the Bucks in the standings.
According to Sports Illustrated, the Pistons have a chance to be the fifth seed if the opportunity favors the team.
In the meantime, the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat are all committed to next week's Eastern Play-In Tournament.
2025 NBA Playoff Bracket: If the Season Ended Today
Eastern Conference
- (1) Cavaliers vs. Play-In Winner
- (2) Celtics vs. Play-In Winner
- (3) Knicks vs. (6) Pistons
- (4) Pacers vs. (5) Bucks
Western Conference
- (1) Thunder vs. Play-In Winner
- (2) Rockets vs. Play-In Winner
- (3) Lakers vs. (6) Warriors
- (4) Nuggets vs. (5) Clippers
Play-In Tournament Breakdown
The NBA Play-In Tournament will decide the last two playoff spots in each conference. Here is how it is done:
- The 7th seed plays at home against the 8th seed; the winner gets the No. 7 seed.
- The loser then plays the winner of the 9th vs. 10th game for the No. 8 seed.
Important Dates to Keep in Mind
NBA fans need to take note of these key schedules, so they won't miss any crucial matches as the regular season concludes.
- April 13: Regular season ends
- April 15-18: Play-In Tournament
- April 19: NBA Playoffs start
- May 12: NBA Draft Lottery
- June 5: NBA Finals begin
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