2025 NBA playoff picture: these teams have qualified for the postseason

As the 2024/25 NBA regular season enters its final stretch, the playoff picture is beginning to take shape with the first spots secured in both the Western and Eastern Conferences.

The top six teams from each conference advance directly to the playoffs, while the seventh and eighth spots are determined through the Play-In Tournament involving teams ranked seventh to tenth.

Which teams have qualified for the 2025 NBA postseason?

Eastern conference

Cleveland Cavaliers secure playoffs spot

The Cleveland Cavaliers were the first team to secure their playoff spot and clinched the Central Division title for the first time since the 2017-18 season. They also achieved their second 15-game winning streak of the season.

Last season, the Cavs were eliminated by the Celtics in the conference semifinals in five games.

Boston Celtics aim to defend NBA title

The Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, are looking to defend their crown and secure their 19th league title. They are now assured of a place in the Play-In tournament at worst, although they will expect to finish the season strongly to secure their playoff spot.

The stats are in their favor, as they have made the playoffs in the last 10 seasons and reached the conference finals in four of the last five seasons.

New York Knicks make it three in a row

The Knicks, who won the last of their two NBA championships in 1973, are guaranteed to finish in the Eastern Conference top 10, meaning they will feature in the postseason for a third successive year.

However, they still have plenty of work to do to ensure the end the regular season in the top six, which would see them avoid the Play-In tournament.

2024/25 NBA Eastern Conference standings

Western Conference

Oklahoma City Thunder shine in the West

Like the Celtics, the Thunder continue to impress this season, sitting atop the Western Conference with an impressive 51-11 record. They have been in first place for most of the campaign and are aiming to secure the top seed, which they will almost certain achieve. Last season, Oklahoma fell in the conference semifinals to the Dallas Mavericks.

2024/25 NBA Western Conference standings

As of now, the Cavs, Celtics, Knicks and Thunder are the four teams that have mathematically secured their spots in the NBA postseason. The race continues for other franchises to join them as the regular season winds down.

Original article written by Edward Gonzaga, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Roddy Cons.

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