Recently, the NBA regular season hasn`t been very captivating, with many games involving teams intentionally losing and top teams resting key players. However, with just two weeks remaining, the excitement is back. There are crucial matchups for both strong and struggling teams, keeping fans engaged.
The Western Conference standings are incredibly tight, meaning teams can rapidly shift positions daily. In the East, there`s a strong competition to avoid the Play-In Tournament. Additionally, several players are on the verge of achieving remarkable statistical milestones.
As the playoffs approach, here’s an overview of what`s important and the key games to watch in the final two weeks of the season.
Already Secured
- Oklahoma City Thunder: No. 1 seed in the West.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Playoff spot in the East.
- Boston Celtics: Playoff spot in the East and Atlantic Division title.
- New York Knicks: Playoff spot in the East.
Likely to Stay the Same
Eastern Conference
- No. 1: Cavaliers
- No. 2: Celtics
- No. 3: Knicks
- Nos. 4-6: Pacers, Pistons, and Bucks (in some order)
- Play-In teams: Magic, Hawks, Bulls, Heat (in some order)
Western Conference
- No. 1: Thunder (secured)
- Nos. 2-8: Rockets, Nuggets, Lakers, Grizzlies, Warriors, Timberwolves, Clippers (in some order)
Key Playoff Races
Pacers, Pistons, and Bucks
The Pacers, Pistons, and Bucks are intensely competing for playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference mid-rankings. The No. 4 seed guarantees home-court advantage in the first round, motivating these teams to push for it. While the Pacers and Pistons have a slim chance at the No. 3 seed, it`s unlikely. Notably, Indiana`s remaining schedule includes games against the league`s three lowest-ranked teams.
Key Games:
- April 11: Bucks vs Pistons
- April 13: Pistons vs Bucks
Magic, Hawks, Bulls, and Heat
The Play-In Tournament picture will intensify as Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago, and Miami vie for better seeding. The No. 7 seed offers advantages: a home game against the No. 8 seed, and potentially another home game against the 9-10 game winner. Winning the first Play-In game would lead to a matchup against the No. 2 seed instead of No. 1, although Boston and Cleveland are both tough opponents.
Key Games:
- April 8: Hawks vs Magic
- April 9: Heat vs Bulls
- April 13: Magic vs Hawks
Western Conference Tight Race
The Western Conference is incredibly competitive, with only 6.5 games separating seeds No. 2 to No. 8, compared to a larger gap in the East. The battle for the No. 2 seed likely involves the Rockets and Nuggets, but the Lakers and Grizzlies could also contend. The Warriors, Timberwolves, and Clippers are less likely to reach the top two, with seeds No. 4 to No. 8 probably being occupied by the Lakers, Grizzlies, Warriors, Wolves, and Clippers in some order.
Key Games:
- April 1: Timberwolves vs Nuggets
- April 1: Warriors vs Grizzlies
- April 3: Warriors vs Lakers
- April 4: Nuggets vs Warriors
- April 6: Rockets vs Warriors
- April 9: Rockets vs Clippers
- April 10: Timberwolves vs Grizzlies
- April 11: Rockets vs Lakers
- April 11: Grizzlies vs Nuggets
- April 13: Nuggets vs Rockets
- April 13: Clippers vs Warriors
Mavericks, Kings, and Suns
The fight for the No. 9 and 10 seeds in the West is particularly interesting because Mavericks, Kings, and Suns are competing to avoid missing the postseason. These teams will be fighting hard for a Play-In spot. The No. 9 and 10 seeds will face each other in a single-elimination Play-In game, with the winner playing the loser of the 7-8 game for the No. 8 seed and a matchup against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
Key Game:
- April 13: Suns vs Kings
Lottery Focus
Wizards, Jazz, Hornets, and Pelicans
While Cooper Flagg competes in college basketball, teams hoping to draft top prospects are focused on improving their lottery odds. The three worst teams have the highest chance (14%) at the No. 1 pick. The fourth-worst team has a 12.5% chance. This has created a race to the bottom between Washington, Utah, Charlotte, and New Orleans. These teams are playing less experienced players to increase their chances of losing and improving their lottery position. The Pelicans are less likely to be in the bottom three, but tanking strategies are in play.
76ers Aim to Keep Draft Pick
The Philadelphia 76ers are prioritizing keeping their top-six protected draft pick. If it falls outside the top six, it goes to Oklahoma City from a previous trade. Philadelphia has sidelined key players like Joel Embiid and Paul George for the rest of the season, and Tyrese Maxey has been out since early March. The 76ers are competing with the Brooklyn Nets for the fifth-worst record to improve their lottery odds and increase their chances of retaining their pick and adding a valuable player to their roster for next season.
Impressive Statistical Achievements
Jokic`s Historic Triple-Double Season
Nikola Jokić is on track to become only the third NBA player to average a triple-double for an entire season, joining Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook. Jokić is expected to have the highest true shooting percentage among these three. His current true shooting percentage is remarkably efficient, especially for a player averaging close to a 30-point triple-double.
SGA Joins Elite Scoring Guards
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to become only the third guard in NBA history to average at least 32 points per game on 50% shooting or better, alongside Michael Jordan and George Gervin. He will be the only point guard to achieve this, with a true shooting percentage exceeding Jordan`s and Gervin`s in their respective seasons.
Daniels` Steal Rate
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels is close to becoming the first player in 30 years to average at least three steals per game (minimum 65 games played). The last player to do this was Nate McMillan in 1994. Daniels has a significant lead in steals this season and is likely to become the 30th player in NBA history to record at least 220 steals in a season.
Jasper Hawthorne