NBA's Stretch Run Heats Up as Playoff Picture Takes Shape

Tight Eastern Conference race and key Western Conference matchups highlight busy NBA schedule

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:59pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract basketball game, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of vibrant red, blue, and yellow colors.The final stretch of the NBA season promises an intense, fragmented battle for playoff positioning across the league.Los Angeles Today

The NBA's regular season is winding down, and the playoff picture is starting to take shape. Several teams in the Eastern Conference are still jockeying for position, while the Western Conference has some key matchups that could impact seeding. With just a few games left, teams are making their final push to secure their spot in the postseason.

Why it matters

The final stretch of the NBA regular season is crucial, as teams fight to lock up playoff berths and seeding. The muddled Eastern Conference race means several teams are still in contention for the fifth through 10th spots, which will determine who makes the playoffs and who has to go through the play-in tournament. Out West, the battle for seeding is also tight, with teams trying to avoid the play-in and secure more favorable first-round matchups.

The details

Tuesday's 10-game NBA slate features several key matchups that could provide clarity on the playoff picture. The Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors start a crucial two-game series, with the Raptors trying to hold onto the sixth seed and the Heat desperate to climb out of the 10th spot. The Charlotte Hornets visit the Boston Celtics in a game that could determine the Hornets' final seeding, as they are tied with Philadelphia and Orlando for the seventh-best record in the East. The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers are both at home, with the Lakers looking to jump into the third seed in the West and the Clippers trying to strengthen their hold on the eighth spot.

  • The NBA regular season has just a few games left, with all 30 teams playing their 81st games on Friday and the regular-season finales on Sunday.
  • The NBA play-in tournament is scheduled for April 14, 15, and 17, with the playoff series openers set for April 18 and 19.
  • The Eastern Conference finals are expected to begin on May 17 or 19, while the Western Conference finals will start on May 18 or 20.

The players

Jalen Brunson

New York Knicks guard who scored 17 points in the fourth quarter of the Knicks' win over the Hawks on Monday.

CJ McCollum

New York Knicks guard who made a late miracle shot in the Knicks' win over the Hawks on Monday.

Victor Wembanyama

French basketball prospect who is expected to be the top pick in the upcoming NBA draft, and whose health is being closely watched after a rib injury.

Luka Doncic

Dallas Mavericks star who is currently injured, impacting the team's playoff odds.

Austin Reaves

Los Angeles Lakers guard who is also currently injured, further hurting the Lakers' playoff chances.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The NBA playoffs will begin on April 18 and 19, with the play-in tournament taking place from April 14-17. The conference finals are scheduled to start on May 17 or 19 in the East and May 18 or 20 in the West, leading up to the NBA Finals beginning on June 3.

The takeaway

The final stretch of the NBA regular season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with several teams still jockeying for playoff positioning. The tight Eastern Conference race and key Western Conference matchups will keep fans engaged as the league heads into the postseason.