NBA Playoff Scenarios: Minnesota, Phoenix Could Clinch West Seeds

Key games on Easter Sunday could determine the 6/7 seeds in the Western Conference playoff race.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:03pm

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With one week left in the NBA regular season, the playoff picture is starting to take shape. Minnesota and Phoenix are essentially locked into the 6th and 7th seeds in the Western Conference, but those positions could become official on Sunday. Meanwhile, a potential first-round preview between Boston and Toronto highlights the Easter Sunday slate, and Stephen Curry is set to return to the court for the Warriors.

Why it matters

As the regular season winds down, teams are jockeying for playoff positioning. The 6th and 7th seeds in the West determine which teams will compete in the play-in tournament, so Minnesota and Phoenix locking those spots down would provide clarity. Additionally, key matchups like Celtics-Raptors could offer a preview of a first-round playoff series, while Curry's return boosts the Warriors' chances of making the postseason through the play-in.

The details

Minnesota can clinch a top-6 playoff spot with a win over Charlotte and a Phoenix loss to Chicago. Conversely, Phoenix can lock in a play-in tournament berth if it loses and Minnesota wins. While those scenarios may not play out today, they are likely to happen this week. Other key games include a potential first-round preview between Boston and Toronto, as well as Charlotte's matchup with Minnesota as both teams jockey for playoff positioning in the East.

  • The NBA regular season has one week remaining.
  • Minnesota and Phoenix are essentially locked into the 6th and 7th seeds in the Western Conference.
  • Stephen Curry is set to return to the court for the Warriors on Sunday night.

The players

Minnesota Timberwolves

An NBA team that is currently in position to clinch a top-6 playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Phoenix Suns

An NBA team that is currently in position to clinch a play-in tournament berth in the Western Conference.

Stephen Curry

A star player for the Golden State Warriors who is set to return to the court on Sunday after an injury.

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What they’re saying

“Minnesota clinches a top-six playoff spot with a win and a Phoenix loss. Don't be so sure this happens today, the stumbling Timberwolves face a red-hot Charlotte team, while Phoenix isn't likely to lose to tanking Chicago.”

— Kurt Helin, Author

“Conversely, Phoenix becomes locked into the play-in if it loses and Minnesota wins. That's probably not happening today, but it's happening this week.”

— Kurt Helin, Author

What’s next

The playoff picture in the Western Conference will become clearer over the next week, as Minnesota and Phoenix look to solidify their positions. Additionally, the results of key matchups like Celtics-Raptors and Hornets-Timberwolves could impact the playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

With the NBA regular season winding down, the playoff race is heating up. Sunday's games could provide clarity on the 6th and 7th seeds in the West, while also offering a potential first-round preview in the East. The return of Stephen Curry also adds intrigue as the Warriors look to secure a spot in the play-in tournament.