NBA Playoffs: Play-in tourney looms, matchups set

That’s a wrap on the NBA regular season.

The league finalized its playoff picture Sunday, locking in the top six seeds in each conference and setting the stage for this week’s play-in tournament.

There were still a few things to sort out.

In the East, the Raptors took care of business against Brooklyn, clinching their first playoff berth in four years and jumping to the No. 5 seed. That result sends both the 76ers and Magic to the play-in.

Out West, the Trail Blazers handled Sacramento to secure the No. 8 spot. That’s big. It means Portland gets two chances to make the playoffs, while the Los Angeles Clippers slide to No. 9 and will need two wins to advance.

Now, it’s play-in time.

Play-In Matchups

Eastern Conference
Tuesday
• (10) Miami Heat at (9) Charlotte Hornets
(Winner advances, loser eliminated)

Wednesday
• (8) Orlando Magic at (7) Philadelphia 76ers
(Winner earns No. 7 seed)

Friday
• Winner Heat/Hornets at loser Magic/Sixers
(Winner earns No. 8 seed)

Western Conference
Tuesday
• (8) Portland Trail Blazers at (7) Phoenix Suns
(Winner earns No. 7 seed)

Wednesday
• (10) Golden State Warriors at (9) Los Angeles Clippers
(Winner advances, loser eliminated)

Friday
• Winner Warriors/Clippers at loser Blazers/Suns
(Winner earns No. 8 seed)

First-Round Matchups

Eastern Conference
• (1) Detroit Pistons vs. No. 8 (play-in)
• (2) Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 (play-in)
• (3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks
• (4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Toronto Raptors

Western Conference
• (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 (play-in)
• (2) San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 7 (play-in)
• (3) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
• (4) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Houston Rockets