The 2023-24 NBA season is coming to an end. Here is an in-depth look at the Eastern and Western Conferences playoff pictures, as well as each team’s tiebreaker scenarios.
Now in the final week of the 2023-24 NBA season, the focus around the league is solely on the playoffs. The standings in both the Eastern and Western Conferences change every single night, which is why there is still no certainty as to who will end up where. There are still questions about which teams will have to fight for their right to be in the playoffs via the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Over the course of the next week leading up to the start of the play-in tournament and playoffs, this page will be updated with the latest standings, tiebreakers, and play-in tournament matchups. Each team’s remaining strength of schedule is also provided, courtesy of Tankathon.
Eastern Conference Playoff Picture
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
All season long, the Eastern Conference has been run by the Boston Celtics. Led by their two All-Stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics are the best offensive team in the league. Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White also have a lot to do with this.
Less success has been found by the Milwaukee Bucks in recent games, as Doc Rivers has been hearing all the noise from NBA fans around the world. Boston holds the 1-seed in the conference and will control home-court advantage throughout the entirety of the playoffs, leading to questions about where Milwaukee will ultimately end up.
Several teams, such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Indiana Pacers, are also looking to prove they can contend with the best, yet injuries continue to hold them back. The key to the East is between the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat, two teams that are jockeying for position and looking to avoid the play-in region of the standings.
Here is a full, in-depth look at where each team resides in the Eastern Conference standings, as well as what tiebreakers they own.
1. Boston Celtics (62-18) – Clinched overall No. 1 seed in NBA
Remaining strength of schedule: 30 (WAS, CHA)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
BOS tied MIL 2-2 for season tiebreaker; BOS owns tiebreaker due to 39-11 conference record vs. MIL’s 34-17 conference record
BOS won 4-1 season tiebreaker over NYK
BOS won 2-1 season tiebreaker over CLE
BOS won 2-1 season tiebreaker over ORL
The Celtics are the best team in the league. However, they recently lost two straight road games to the Atlanta Hawks, marking the third time all season that the C’s have dropped back-to-back games. It is worth noting that this has happened twice in the month of March.
In terms of the tiebreakers, Boston has clinched the 1-seed in the entire league. Home-court advantage is going to matter for the Celtics, especially since they are a league-best 35-4 overall in TD Garden this year. The Celtics have lost four of their last nine games.
2. Milwaukee Bucks (49-31) – 13.0 GB – Clinched playoff spot
Remaining strength of schedule: 4 (OKC, ORL)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
MIL tied BOS 2-2 for season tiebreaker; BOS owns tiebreaker due to 39-11 conference record vs. MIL’s 34-17 conference record
MIL owns 3-2 season tiebreaker over NYK
MIL tied CLE 2-2 for season tiebreaker; MIL currently leads Central Division over CLE by 2.0 games
MIL owns 2-1 season tiebreaker over ORL; one game remaining on schedule
IND won 4-1 season tiebreaker over MIL for season tiebreaker
Under Doc Rivers, the Milwaukee Bucks have become a slightly better defensive team. Still, they have struggled while in the spotlight, and their recent string of losses is certainly a major concern.
Over their last 18 games, the Bucks have posted an 8-10 record. They recently lost four straight games to the Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks. Games like these are friendly reminders that the Bucks lost in the first-round of the playoffs last season to the Miami Heat due to their predictability on offense and constant defensive lapses. It is hard to trust this team right now on the verge of the playoffs, leading to more doubt about if they will once again be bounced early on.
3. New York Knicks (48-32) – 14.0 GB (1.0 GB of MIL) – Clinched playoff spot
Remaining strength of schedule: 21 (BKN, CHI)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
BOS won 4-1 season tiebreaker over NYK
MIL owns 3-2 season tiebreaker over NYK
NYK won 2-1 season tiebreaker over CLE
ORL won 3-1 season tiebreaker over NYK
IND won 2-1 season tiebreaker over NYK
NYK won 3-1 season tiebreaker over PHI
NYK tied MIA 2-2 for season tiebreaker; NYK owns tiebreaker due to 33-17 conference record vs. MIA’s 30-20 conference record
Julius Randle is done for the season and will undergo shoulder surgery. Although this is a massive blow to the Knicks and their chances of contending for a title, Jalen Brunson has been the leader of this, and he has been on a tear as of late. The key to the New York Knicks finding success is whether or not OG Anunoby can play. When he plays this season, New York has gone 18-3 overall.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (47-33) – 15.0 GB (1.0 GB of NYK)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
BOS won 2-1 season tiebreaker over CLE
CLE tied MIL 2-2 for season tiebreaker; MIL currently leads Central Division over CLE by 2.0 games
NYK won 2-1 season tiebreaker over CLE
CLE tied ORL 2-2 for season tiebreaker; ORL currently leads Southeast Division, CLE trails MIL by 2.0 games for Central Division
IND owns 2-1 season tiebreaker over CLE; one game remaining on schedule
PHI tied CLE 2-2 for season tiebreaker; CLE owns season tiebreaker due to 30-20 conference record vs. PHI’s 29-21 conference record
MIA won 3-1 season tiebreaker over CLE
Since the All-Star break, the Cleveland Cavaliers have gone 11-16. While many tend to point towards injuries being their main problem, the Cavs seem like a team that is simply ready for the offseason at this point. This is a shame because at full strength and playing their best basketball, the Cavs have shown flashes of being able to be one of the best teams in this league.
The bad news for the Cavs is that they own zero outright tiebreakers at the moment over other teams in the Eastern Conference. If they are not careful, Cleveland could wind up surrendering home-court advantage entering the postseason, a position they currently find themselves in.
5. Orlando Magic (46-34) – 16.0 GB (1.0 GB of CLE) – Tied with IND
Remaining strength of schedule: 9 (MIL, PHI)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
BOS won 2-1 season tiebreaker over ORL
MIL owns 2-1 season tiebreaker over ORL; one game remaining on schedule
ORL won 3-1 season tiebreaker over NYK
CLE tied ORL 2-2 for season tiebreaker; ORL currently leads Southeast Division, CLE trails MIL by 2.0 games for Central Division
ORL won 2-1 season tiebreaker over IND
PHI owns 2-0 season tiebreaker over ORL; one game remaining on schedule
MIA won 3-1 season tiebreaker over ORL
Since the All-Star break, the Orlando Magic have gone 16-9 and have posted a 108.2 defensive rating, the second-best in the league. Jamahl Mosley deserves a lot more attention for Coach of the Year than he is getting because the Magic have gone from a low-end team in the East that could contend for a play-in tournament spot to a group that can give the best of the best fits come time for the playoffs. Orlando is a very dangerous team right now that is only growing in confidence every day.
6. Indiana Pacers (46-34) – 16.0 GB (1.0 GB of CLE) – Tied with ORL
Remaining strength of schedule: 14 (CLE, ATL)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
IND won 4-1 season tiebreaker over MIL
IND won 2-1 season tiebreaker over NYK
IND owns 2-1 season tiebreaker over CLE; one game remaining on schedule
ORL won 2-1 season tiebreaker over IND
IND won 2-1 season tiebreaker over PHI
IND won 2-1 season tiebreaker over MIA
CHI won 3-1 season tiebreaker over IND
When Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and the Indiana Pacers are clicking in transition, they are the most dangerous offensive team in the league. In recent weeks, the Pacers have stepped up their play, as they have posted an 15-9 record since the All-Star break. Bennedict Mathurin being sidelined for the rest of the year has definitely weakened the Pacers’ secondary unit.
7. Philadelphia 76ers (45-35) – 17.0 GB (1.0 GB of ORL/IND)
Remaining strength of schedule: 16 (ORL, BKN)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
NYK won 3-1 season tiebreaker over PHI
PHI tied CLE 2-2 for season tiebreaker; CLE owns tiebreaker due to 30-20 conference record vs. PHI’s 29-21 conference record.
PHI owns 2-0 season tiebreaker over ORL; one game remaining on schedule
IND won 2-1 season tiebreaker over PHI
MIA tied PHI 2-2 for season tiebreaker; PHI owns tiebreaker due to 29-21 conference record vs. MIA’s 30-20 conference record.
CHI owns 2-1 season tiebreaker over PHI
Joel Embiid recently returned to the lineup for the Philadelphia 76ers, giving them a much-needed boost since they have been nothing more than a play-in tournament team without him. In fact, the 76ers are undefeated since Embiid’s return.
With Embiid back in the mix, the Sixers can easily be a dangerous team coming out of the play-in tournament for either the Celtics or Bucks in the first round. Keep an eye on Nick Nurse’s group, as they have what it takes to pull off an unexpected deep playoff run with Embiid healthy.
8. Miami Heat (44-36) – 18.0 GB (1.0 GB of PHI)
Remaining strength of schedule: 28 (TOR [2])
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
NYK won 2-1 season tiebreaker over MIA
MIA won 3-1 season tiebreaker over ORL
IND won 2-1 season tiebreaker over MIA
MIA tied CHI 2-2 for season tiebreaker; MIA owns tiebreaker due to 30-20 conference record vs. CHI’s 21-28 conference record.
At this point in the season, we are used to seeing Erik Spoelstra’s squad turn things on. However, the Heat have had trouble stringing together back-to-back wins. The good news is that this team has started to figure out their groove by winning nine of their last 15 contests.
With Tyler Herro back in the folkd, Miami has kept their eyes on the prize. Now, they are right in the thick of things with the Pacers and Sixers, battling for the 6-seed before the conclusion of the season. A somewhat easy schedule the rest of the way, plus the Pacers recent slump, presents the Heat with an opportunity to maybe creep out of the play-in tournament altogether and claim an actual playoff spot. Yet, it still looks likely that this team has to earn their playoff spot via the play-in tournament.
9. Chicago Bulls (38-42) – 24.0 GB (6.0 GB of MIA) – Clinched 9-seed
Remaining strength of schedule: 27 (NYK, WAS)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
CHI won 3-1 season tiebreaker over IND
CHI owns 2-1 season tiebreaker over PHI
MIA tied CHI 2-2 for season tiebreaker; MIA owns tiebreaker due to 30-20 conference record vs. CHI’s 21-28 conference record.
CHI won 2-1 season tiebreaker over ATL
The Chicago Bulls will be making the play-in tournament at this juncture. With DeMar DeRozan, Coby White, and Nikola Vucevic, the Bulls are still capable of making a little bit of noise and possibly seizing an actual playoff spot. Still, this is a team with no defensive presence. Offensively, the Bulls just don’t have the talent to match up with the best of the best right now.
What is shocking is that as bad as the Bulls have been at certain points, they still manage to pull off shocking wins. Anything can happen on Sundays in the NBA, and Chicago shocked everyone, possibly screwing up the Western Conference playoff picture, when they went on the road and beat the Timberwolves on the final day on March.
10. Atlanta Hawks (36-44) – 26.0 GB (2.0 GB of CHI) – Clinched 10-seed
Remaining strength of schedule: 3 (MIN, IND)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
CHI won 2-1 season tiebreaker over ATL
BKN won 3-1 season tiebreaker over ATL
The Atlanta Hawks have clinched their play-in tournament spot, effectively knocking the Brooklyn Nets out of postseason contention. Due to the Bulls owning the season tiebreaker, Atlanta will hit the road to take on Chicago in the 9-seed vs. 10-seed game.
11. Brooklyn Nets (32-48) – 30.0 GB (4.0 GB of ATL) – ELIMINATED
Remaining strength of schedule: 10 (NYK, PHI)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
BKN owns 3-1 season tiebreaker over ATL
This has been a disappointing season for the Nets, one that ends with them missing the play-in tournament. Although they will likely get to 30 wins this year, the Nets will enter the offseason having two key questions to answer regarding Mikal Bridges’ future and a possible new contract for big man Nic Claxton. Could Brooklyn once again go hunting for their next star in free agency or on the trade market?
Western Conference Playoff Picture
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The top of the Western Conference has been a three-team race between the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves. With just weeks left in the season, there is no telling what order these three teams will finish in. The Thunder and Nuggets have two MVP candidates in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, respectively, but Anthony Edwards has kept the T-Wolves in the running despite Karl-Anthony Towns suffering a torn meniscus.
Outside of these three teams, the rest of the Western Conference is super competitive. However, there are questions surrounding each of the remaining teams. Can the Los Angeles Clippers regain their footing, given their struggles since the All-Star break? How will the New Orleans Pelicans look now that Brandon Ingram is hurt? Could the Dallas Mavericks and/or Phoenix Suns rise up out of the play-in tournament region of the standings?
And of course, how could we forget about the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, two title-contending teams who may just fight it out in the 9-seed vs. 10-seed play-in game. The Western Conference is loaded with talent, and the tiebreakers each team owns will help tell the tale of how the playoffs will unfold.
1. Denver Nuggets (56-24) – Clinched playoff spot
Remaining strength of schedule: 29 (SAS, MEM)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
DEN tied MIN 2-2 for season tiebreaker; DEN currently leads MIN/OKC by one game for Northwest Division title.
OKC owns 3-1 season tiebreaker over DEN
DEN tied LAC 2-2 for season tiebreaker; DEN owns tiebreaker due to 32-18 conference record vs. LAC’s 30-20 conference record.
When Nikola Jokic is on the court, good things happen for the Denver Nuggets. The defending NBA champions appear to be on a collision course with the 2024 NBA Finals, where they could end up meeting the Celtics.
The Nuggets still have the same championship core they had a season ago, and Michael Porter Jr. has been playing a lot better as of late. They should undoubtedly be the favorites in the Western Conference right now. After beating the Timberwolves, the 1-seed in the West is on the verge of being clinched by Denver once again.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves (55-25) – 1.0 GB – Tied with OKC – Clinched playoff spot
Remaining strength of schedule: 15 (PHX, ATL)
DEN tied MIN 2-2 for season tiebreaker; DEN currently leads MIN/OKC by one game for Northwest Division title.
MIN tied OKC 2-2 for season tiebreaker; MIN holds tiebreaker due to 37-14 conference record vs. OKC’s 35-16 division record
MIN won 3-1 season tiebreaker over LAC
Karl-Anthony Towns could wind up missing the rest of the year for the Timberwolves as a result of a meniscus injury. Nonetheless, Anthony Edwards has continued to ascend to superstar status for Minnesota, leading them to key wins in recent weeks. With shades of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant in his game, Edwards has a chance to become the best scoring weapon in this league.
Seeing him come time for the playoffs on a contending team will be extremely fun, especially since all that matters to Edwards is winning. The Timberwolves are still a top-tier defensive team without Towns that can give their opponents fits on the interior.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder (55-25) – 1.0 GB – Tied with MIN – Clinched playoff spot
Remaining strength of schedule: 7 (MIL, DAL)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
OKC won 3-1 season tiebreaker over DEN
MIN tied OKC 2-2 for season tiebreaker; MIN holds tiebreaker due to 37-14 conference record vs. OKC’s 35-16 division record
OKC won 2-1 season tiebreaker over LAC
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could very well end up with the MVP award should the Thunder finish with the best record in the Western Conference. As a team, Oklahoma City is very sound on offense, and they can be stifling at times on defense. They truly have no weaknesses other than their lack of size in terms of rebounding outside of Chet Holmgren. Even with SGA out of the lineup for some games last week and this week, the Thunder have still managed to win 12 of their last 18 games.
The key to the Thunder maintaining their regular-season success into the playoffs revolves around their three-point shooting. Oklahoma City has been the best perimeter shooting team all year, which is why they are a legit contender.
4. Los Angeles Clippers (51-29) – 5.0 GB (4.0 GB of MIN/OKC) – Clinched Pacific Division/playoff spot
Remaining strength of schedule: 23 (HOU, UTA)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
DEN tied LAC 2-2 for season tiebreaker; DEN owns tiebreaker due to 32-18 conference record vs. LAC’s 30-20 conference record.
MIN won 3-1 season tiebreaker over LAC
OKC won 2-1 season tiebreaker over LAC
LAC won 2-1 season tiebreaker over DAL
NOP won 3-1 season tiebreaker over LAC
LAC won 3-0 season tiebreaker over PHX; one game remaining on schedule
Since the All-Star break, the Los Angeles Clippers have posted a 15-12 record while ranking 23rd in defensive rating. The Clippers have looked vulnerable on the interior, and it just doesn’t appear as if they are playing with the same intensity they had earlier in the season. A recent win at home over the Nuggets definitely boosts this group’s confidence since they were without Kawhi Leonard.
This is definitely a concern for the Clippers right now. Nonetheless, their trio of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden should prove to be lethal come time for the playoffs.
5. Dallas Mavericks (50-30) – 6.0 GB (1.0 GB of LAC) – Clinched Southwest Division/playoff spot
Remaining strength of schedule: 25 (OKC, DET)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
LAC won 2-1 season tiebreaker over DAL
DAL won 2-1 season tiebreaker over PHX
DAL tied NOP 2-2 for season tiebreaker; DAL won Southwest Division
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving can achieve anything come time for the playoffs. Add PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford into the mix, and all of a sudden, the Dallas Mavericks could wind up being a very tough team to beat four times in seven games. If Dallas avoids the play-in tournament, their path to the Western Conference Finals looks a lot more believable.
The Mavs have won 16 of their last 18 games.
6. New Orleans Pelicans (48-32) – 8.0 GB (2.0 GB of DAL)
Remaining strength of schedule: 11 (LAL, GSW)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
NOP won 3-1 season tiebreaker over LAC
DAL tied NOP 2-2 for season tiebreaker; DAL won Southwest Division
PHX won 2-1 season tiebreaker over NOP
NOP won 4-0 season tiebreaker over SAC; one game remaining on schedule
LAL owns 2-1 season tiebreaker over NOP; one game remaining on schedule
Brandon Ingram suffered a bad-looking knee injury on March 21 against the Orlando Magic. Now, Ingram is on the verge of returning right before the start of the playoffs. A win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday puts the Pelicans one step closer to earning the 6-seed in the conference.
7. Phoenix Suns (47-33) – 9.0 GB (1.0 GB of NOP)
Remaining strength of schedule: 5 (MIN, SAC)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
LAC won 3-1 season tiebreaker over PHX
DAL won 2-1 season tiebreaker over PHX
PHX won 2-1 season tiebreaker over NOP
PHX is tied with SAC at 2-2 for season tiebreaker; one game remaining on schedule
PHX won 3-1 season tiebreaker over GSW
LAL won 3-2 season tiebreaker over PHX
When Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker are on the floor together, the Phoenix Suns have the best offense in the league. However, their defense continues to be a major concern and question mark. Others will need to recognize this and step up over the next few weeks to try and help Phoenix get out of the play-in tournament.
However, losses like the one they suffered on March 25 to the San Antonio Spurs, who were without Victor Wembanyama, are inexcusable for a team that has title aspirations. Then again, wins against the Nuggets, Clippers, and Timberwolves make up for it.
8. Sacramento Kings (45-35) – 11.0 GB (2.0 GB of PHX) – Tied with GSW/LAL
Remaining strength of schedule: 24 (PHX, POR)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
LAC tied SAC 2-2 for season tiebreaker; LAC owns tiebreaker after winning Pacific Division
DAL tied SAC 2-2 for season tiebreaker; DAL currently owns tiebreaker due to 31-20 conference record vs. SAC’s 29-21 conference record
NOP won 4-0 season tiebreaker over SAC; one game remaining on schedule
PHX is tied with SAC at 2-2 for season tiebreaker; one game remaining on schedule
SAC tied GSW 2-2 for season tiebreaker; SAC owns tiebreaker due to 29-21 conference record vs. GSW’s 25-25 conference record
SAC won 4-0 season tiebreaker over LAL
Every time the Sacramento Kings pick up a great win, they follow it up with a puzzling loss. In addition, Kevin Huerter has suffered a torn labrum as a result of a dislocated shoulder. How this impacts the Kings’ chances of finding postseason success is yet to be seen. It is worth mentioning that this team is 12-7 when Keon Ellis starts.
9. Golden State Warriors (45-35) – 11.0 GB (2.0 GB of PHX) – Tied with SAC/LAL – Clinched play-in berth
Remaining strength of schedule: 17 (NOP, UTA)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
DAL won 3-1 season tiebreaker over GSW
NOP is tied with GSW at 1-1 for season tiebreaker; one game remaining
PHX won 3-1 season tiebreaker over GSW
SAC tied GSW 2-2 for season tiebreaker; SAC owns tiebreaker due to 29-20 conference record vs. GSW’s 24-25 conference record
GSW won 3-1 seasion tiebreaker over LAL
GSW won 3-0 season tiebreaker over HOU
As bad as the Golden State Warriors have been, they’re still championship contenders regardless of what their seeding will be in the playoffs. The Warriors have won four championships since 2015, and they still have Stephen Curry. At any moment, things can begin clicking for the Warriors. However, this team’s inability to find consistent offense outside of Curry has been their downfall.
Golden State has won nine of their last 10 games.
10. Los Angeles Lakers (45-35) – 11.0 GB (2.0 GB of PHX) – Tied with SAC/GSW – Clinched play-in berth
Remaining strength of schedule: 18 (NOP, MEM)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
DAL won 2-1 season tiebreaker over LAL
LAL owns 2-1 season tiebreaker over NOP; one game remaining on schedule
LAL won 3-2 season tiebreaker over PHX
SAC won 4-0 season tiebreaker over LAL
GSW won 3-1 seasion tiebreaker over LAL
No team is going to want to play Anthony Davis and LeBron James in the postseason. With that said, the Los Angeles Lakers may be facing elimination early on if they are to be in the 9-seed vs. 10-seed play-in game. D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves will be the difference in terms of this group being able to advance.
The Lakers have won nine of their last 12 games.
11. Houston Rockets (39-41) – 17.0 GB (6.0 GB of SAC/GSW/LAL) – ELIMINATED
Remaining strength of schedule: 19 (LAC, POR)
NBA Playoffs Tiebreakers:
LAL tied HOU 2-2 for season tiebreaker; HOU currently owns tiebreaker due to 26-24 conference record vs. LAL’s 25-25 conference record
GSW won 3-0 season tiebreaker over HOU
A loss to the Mavs on Sunday kicked the Rockets out of postseason contention. Now, the question becomes what GM Rafael Stone and this front office will do in the offseason, as the Rockets are expected to be aggressive in their hunt to add playoff-level talent. This could put the futures of Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green in jeopardy.
