We already know the field. Now it’s about the order.
Twenty teams are headed for the NBA postseason. Only a handful have officially locked in top-six spots so far, though.
In the East, the Pistons, Celtics and Knicks are in. Out West, it’s the Thunder, Spurs, Lakers and Nuggets.
The Cavaliers are next. As we mentioned earlier, Cleveland can officially clinch with a win at Golden State. Either way, it’s coming.
Same goes for the Rockets, who can punch their ticket with a little help.
Beyond that, things are mostly set out West. The Timberwolves have a comfortable cushion for the No. 6 spot, while the Suns, Clippers, Trail Blazers and Warriors look headed for the play-in.
The real traffic jam is in the East. The Hawks sit fifth at 44-33 and are playing as well as anyone, winners of 17 of 19. Behind them, it gets crowded.
The 76ers and Raptors are both 42-34. The Magic and Hornets are right there at 40-36, with the Heat close behind.
That’s a lot of teams for two guaranteed spots, and it’s why the Cavs’ positioning matters.
They’re likely headed for the No. 4 seed. The opponent? Still very much up in the air. That part won’t be settled for a while, perhaps the final day of the NBA season.
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