2026 NBA playoff picture: Matchups, play-in bracket, everything to know on the final day of regular season

The postseason field is set as the regular season comes to a close.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:49am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The final day of the NBA regular season determined the full playoff picture, setting the stage for an unpredictable and exciting postseason.Denver Today

The NBA playoff picture is finalized, with the Eastern Conference and Western Conference brackets set. In the East, the Toronto Raptors secured the final guaranteed playoff spot, joining the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks. The Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat will compete in the play-in tournament for the last two spots. Out West, the Denver Nuggets secured the No. 3 seed, while the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets also clinched playoff berths. The Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, LA Clippers and Golden State Warriors will battle it out in the West's play-in tournament.

Why it matters

The final day of the NBA regular season determined the playoff matchups and play-in tournament participants for both conferences. This sets the stage for an exciting postseason, with several high-profile first-round matchups and the play-in tournament adding extra drama and intrigue.

The details

In the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors claimed the final guaranteed playoff spot, joining the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks. The Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat will compete in the East's play-in tournament. Out West, the Denver Nuggets secured the No. 3 seed, while the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets also clinched playoff berths. The Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, LA Clippers and Golden State Warriors will battle it out in the West's play-in tournament.

  • The 2026 NBA regular season concluded on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The Eastern Conference play-in tournament games will be played on Tuesday, April 15 and Wednesday, April 16.
  • The Western Conference play-in tournament games will be played on Tuesday, April 15 and Wednesday, April 16.
  • The first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs will begin on Saturday, April 19.

The players

Detroit Pistons

The No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 60-22 record and the third-best net rating in the league.

Boston Celtics

The No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 55-26 record and the fourth-best net rating in the league.

Denver Nuggets

The No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a 53-28 record and the sixth-best net rating in the league.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with a 64-18 record and the best net rating in the league.

San Antonio Spurs

The No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with a 62-19 record and the second-best net rating in the league.

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What they’re saying

“The play-in tournament adds an extra layer of excitement and drama to the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs. It's going to be must-see TV.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

“We're excited to be back in the playoffs and have a chance to compete for a championship. The road won't be easy, but we're ready for the challenge.”

— LeBron James

What’s next

The Eastern and Western Conference play-in tournament games will be played on Tuesday, April 15 and Wednesday, April 16. The winners of the 7-8 games will advance to face the No. 2 seeds in the first round, while the winners of the 9-10 games will face the No. 7 seeds. The first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs will then begin on Saturday, April 19.

The takeaway

The 2026 NBA playoff picture is set, with several high-profile first-round matchups and the play-in tournament adding extra intrigue. Fans can look forward to an exciting and unpredictable postseason as teams battle for a chance to win the championship.