NBA: Playoff Race Heats Up

Twenty teams have secured playoff spots for the 2026 NBA playoffs, which begin April 18. The top six teams in each conference have earned outright playoff berths, while the next four will compete in the play-in tournament April 14-17 for the final two seeds.

Key matchups on Thursday include #1 East hosting #6 West, Luka Dončić's Lakers facing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Thunder, and San Antonio seeking their 27th win in 29 games. In the standings, San Antonio has won 10 straight, Denver seven straight, Houston has risen to #5 in the West, and Atlanta has won three straight to move to #5 in the East. Clinching scenarios include the Rockets potentially securing a playoff berth with a Suns loss, and the Cavaliers clinching with a win.