NBA standings 2026: Updated playoff bracket, clinching scenarios through April 3

The 2026 NBA playoffs are almost here, with seeding still to be determined in the final days of the regular season.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:07pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.The 2026 NBA playoffs will feature intense first-round matchups as teams battle for a chance at the championship.Denver Today

The 2025-26 NBA regular season is winding down, with the playoffs set to begin in mid-April. In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons have clinched the top seed, while the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks have also secured playoff berths. The middle of the pack in the East remains crowded, with several teams vying for the final playoff spots. Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder have the best record in the league and are on track to claim the No. 1 seed, while the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, and Denver Nuggets have also clinched playoff spots. The Play-In Tournament will determine the final two playoff teams in each conference.

Why it matters

With the NBA playoffs just around the corner, the final days of the regular season will be crucial in determining seeding and which teams will make the postseason. The Play-In Tournament has added an extra layer of drama, as teams on the bubble fight for the final playoff spots. How the standings shake out will impact first-round matchups and each team's path to the NBA Finals.

The details

In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons have a comfortable lead atop the standings at 56-21, followed by the Boston Celtics (51-25) and New York Knicks (49-28). The Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, and Orlando Magic are all jockeying for position in the middle of the pack, with only two of those teams avoiding the Play-In Tournament. Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder (61-16) and San Antonio Spurs (59-18) have the top two seeds locked up, while the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and Houston Rockets have also clinched playoff berths. The final Play-In spots will be determined by the Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Golden State Warriors.

  • The 2025-26 NBA regular season will end on Sunday, April 12.
  • The Play-In Tournament will take place from April 14-17.
  • The 2026 NBA Playoffs will begin on Saturday, April 18.

The players

Cade Cunningham

Star player for the Detroit Pistons who has missed time due to injury this season.

Jayson Tatum

All-Star forward for the Boston Celtics who has returned from injury to lead his team's playoff push.

Stephen Curry

Veteran point guard for the Golden State Warriors, who have clinched a Play-In Tournament berth.

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What they’re saying

“Playoff basketball is almost here.”

— Daniel Mader, Author

What’s next

The final regular season games will be played on April 12, determining the final standings and Play-In Tournament matchups. The Play-In Tournament will then take place from April 14-17, with the NBA Playoffs beginning on April 18.

The takeaway

The 2026 NBA Playoffs are shaping up to be an exciting conclusion to the season, with several teams still jockeying for position in the standings. The Play-In Tournament has added an extra layer of drama, as teams on the bubble fight for the final playoff spots. Fans can look forward to intense first-round matchups and a highly competitive postseason.