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2024 NBA Playoffs Preview
As the 2024 NBA playoffs draw near, teams are securing their postseason berths ahead of the regular season’s conclusion on April 14. The playoff format ensures spots for the top six teams from each conference, with teams ranking 7th to 10th entering the play-in tournament scheduled for April 16-19. From there, two teams in each conference will emerge to complete the eight-team playoff field, with the first round set to begin on April 20.
Eastern Conference Playoff Picture
Clinched a playoff spot:
- Boston Celtics (No. 1 seed)
- Milwaukee Bucks
- New York Knicks
At least a play-in spot, not yet playoffs:
- Orlando Magic
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Indiana Pacers
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Miami Heat
Only a play-in spot:
- Chicago Bulls (No. 9 seed)
- Atlanta Hawks (No. 10 seed)
Eliminated:
- Brooklyn Nets
- Toronto Raptors
- Charlotte Hornets
- Washington Wizards
- Detroit Pistons
Western Conference Playoff Picture
Clinched a playoff spot:
- Denver Nuggets
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- LA Clippers
- Dallas Mavericks
At least a play-in spot, not yet playoffs:
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Phoenix Suns
Only a play-in spot:
- Sacramento Kings
- Golden State Warriors
- Los Angeles Lakers
Eliminated:
- Houston Rockets
- Utah Jazz
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Portland Trail Blazers
- San Antonio Spurs
Eastern Conference Projected Bracket
Play-in tournament:
- No. 8 Heat at No. 7 76ers (April 16)
- No. 10 Hawks at No. 9 Bulls (April 17)
- Winner 9/10 at loser 7/8 (April 19)
First round matchups:
- No. 1 Celtics vs. No. 8 seed
- No. 2 Bucks vs. No. 7 seed
- No. 3 Knicks vs. No. 6 Pacers
- No. 4 Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Magic
Western Conference Projected Bracket
Play-in tournament:
- No. 8 Kings at No. 7 Suns (April 16)
- No. 10 Lakers at No. 9 Warriors (April 17)
- Winner 9/10 at loser 7/8 (April 19)
First round matchups:
- No. 1 Timberwolves vs. No. 8 seed
- No. 2 Nuggets vs. No. 7 seed
- No. 3 Thunder vs. No. 6 Pelicans
- No. 4 Clippers vs. No. 5 Mavericks
Eastern Conference Playoff Teams Analysis
The Boston Celtics have clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, securing home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. The Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks have also booked their spots in the postseason, aiming for a top-four seeding. The Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat have secured play-in spots, with the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks rounding out the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Western Conference Playoff Teams Analysis
In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, LA Clippers, and Dallas Mavericks have secured playoff berths. The New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns also have play-in spots secured. The Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Lakers will battle it out in the play-in tournament for a chance to clinch the final playoff spot in the West.
With the 2024 NBA playoffs approaching, the competition promises to be fierce as teams vie for a shot at the NBA Finals.
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