The NBA playoff picture in the Eastern Conference is becoming clearer as the regular season approaches its end on April 12. The Detroit Pistons have clinched the No. 1 seed. The Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are set for the next three seeds.
Top Four Seeds Locked In, But Order Still in Doubt
While the Detroit Pistons have secured the top spot, the final order of the next three seeds is still to be determined. These teams are all vying for home-court advantage in the opening round. The Celtics, Knicks, and Cavaliers are all in contention.
Teams Battling for Play-in Spots
Just two losses separate the fifth seed from the ninth seed. The Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat are all jockeying for position in the final days of the season. These teams are aiming for a guaranteed playoff berth or a spot in the play-in tournament.
Eastern Conference Standings Breakdown
- Detroit Pistons: Record 58-22. Clinched No. 1 seed and Central Division title.
- Boston Celtics: Record 54-26. Highest possible finish: No. 2 seed. Lowest possible finish: No. 3 seed.
- New York Knicks: Record 52-28. Highest possible finish: No. 2 seed. Lowest possible finish: No.4 seed.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Record 51-29. Highest possible finish: No. 3 seed. Lowest possible finish: No. 4 seed.
The Toronto Raptors hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Hawks and Magic, but lose the head-to-head tiebreaker to the Hornets. The Atlanta Hawks hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Hornets, Magic and Heat, but lose the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Raptors.
The Orlando Magic hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Heat. The Philadelphia 76ers lose the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Raptors and Magic.
With the regular season coming to a close, each day’s slate of games carries significant weight for teams in both conferences.