Who’s in and who’s out: with a dozen games to go, how the NBA playoff places are shaping up

With less than a month to go before the NBA 2024-25 regular season comes to an end and with most teams only having 11/12 games left to play, a clearer picture in each conference is emerging as to which teams will be involved in post-season and which teams need a final push. We’re also starting to see teams fall by the wayside with nothing more than pride to play for at this juncture of the season.

The regular season wraps up on April 13 when the curtain comes down before seventh and eighth places are determined through the Play-in Tournament.

The top six teams in each conference progress to postseason and will be joined by two of the teams who finish 7th-10th who will battle it out via the Play-In which will commence on April 15.

Eastern Conference

Things in the East are falling into place with six teams having guaranteed postseason action. The unstoppable Cavs and Boston Celtics will be in the playoffs and the Knicks, Pacers, Bucks and Pistons, have all, at this point cemented a place in the postseason. As things stand, the Hawks, Magic, Bulls and Heat are looking good to secure Play-In berths.

Despite not yet being mathematically ruled out, the Wizards and Hornets need minor miracles to keep their respective seasons alive.

Western Conference

Things are far from clear at this juncture in the West. Oklahoma have bagged the Conference with a series of teams (13/15) still in with a chance of postseason basketball.

As things stand, the Rockets, Nuggets, Lakers, Grizzlies and Warriors are in a solid position currently occupying a playoff place with only the Pelicans and Jazz cut adrift at the foot of the table and both mathematically out of the postseason.

A fascinating final slate of games is guaranteed to keep interest sharp with something at stake for the bulk of the 30 contenders.

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