The NBA's Western Conference playoff teams are now determined after an eventful regular-season closure that saw the Los Angeles Clippers secure the No. 5 seed with a thrilling overtime win against the Golden State Warriors. The Denver Nuggets, who fired head coach Michael Malone before the end of the season, claimed the No. 4 seed and will face the Clippers in the playoffs. The Minnesota Timberwolves clinched the No. 6 seed, setting up a matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.
In the Eastern Conference, the playoff seedings were already settled, with the Cleveland Cavaliers securing the No. 1 seed and home-court advantage. The Orlando Magic claimed the No. 7 seed despite injuries to key players and will face the No. 8 Atlanta Hawks in the play-in game. The Chicago Bulls secured the No. 9 seed and will play against the No. 10 Miami Heat in another play-in matchup. The New York Knicks will take on the Detroit Pistons, while the Milwaukee Bucks will face the Indiana Pacers in the opening round.