The bracket for the 2024 NBA playoffs is set, and the action is poised to commence this Saturday with the first round of matchups.
The top six teams in each conference have automatically secured their spots in the playoffs. The final two slots—No. 7 and No. 8—were decided through the high-stakes play-in tournament.
In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics have clinched the top seed. With the best overall record in the league, they’re assured home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. The New York Knicks managed to surpass the Milwaukee Bucks in the final stretches of the season to capture the No. 2 seed. The Cleveland Cavaliers complete the top four in the East, showcasing the depth and competitiveness of the conference.
The Orlando Magic received the No. 5 seed, and the Indiana Pacers grabbed the sixth spot, both solidifying their places in the postseason lineup. In the play-in tournament, the Philadelphia 76ers narrowly defeated the Miami Heat 105-104, earning them the No. 7 seed. The Heat, not to be counted out, secured the No. 8 seed by overcoming the Chicago Bulls in their subsequent play-in game.
Shifting to the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder emerged victorious from a three-way tie on the final Sunday, claiming the No. 1 seed. The Denver Nuggets, aiming to defend their NBA Finals title from last year, will start the playoffs as the No. 2 seed. The Minnesota Timberwolves have locked in the No. 3 seed, setting the stage for what promises to be an intriguing series of games.
The fourth and fifth seeds feature a face-off between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns clinched the No. 6 spot with a crucial win against Minnesota on the last day of the regular season.
LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a tight victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, 110-106, securing the No. 7 seed. However, the Pelicans rebounded strongly, claiming the No. 8 seed by defeating the Sacramento Kings in their play-in encounter.
Stay tuned for more updates as the playoffs unfold, and the teams begin their intense quest for the NBA Championship. The journey toward the NBA Finals is gearing up, promising basketball fans worldwide a spectacle filled with drama, excitement, and top-tier basketball.
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Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics
Boston secured the earliest playoff berth in 2024, claiming the top seed in the East and guaranteeing home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. The Celtics have been playoff contenders for the past nine seasons, but last year, they fell to the Heat in the conference finals. Their previous stint as the top seed was in 2017, ending in a loss to the Cavaliers in the conference finals.
New York Knicks
The Knicks, enjoying their best season in a decade, secured the second seed and face the 76ers in the first round. Last season, they reached the conference semifinals, a significant improvement given their sparse playoff appearances over the previous decade.
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee enters the playoffs as the No. 3 seed, prepared to face Indiana. Despite being top seeds in previous years, their playoff journeys were cut short by early exits, including last year’s first-round loss to Miami.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Returning to the playoffs, Cleveland will confront Orlando in the first round. LeBron James led the team to a championship win 2017, which last notably marked its playoff presence.
Orlando Magic
Orlando has reached the playoffs for the first time since 2020, aiming to make a significant impact against Cleveland. Their playoff history includes a last considerable run to the conference finals in 2010.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers will challenge Milwaukee back in the playoffs after a hiatus. They aim to break a streak of first-round exits that marked their playoff appearances before 2020.
Philadelphia 76ers
After edging out Miami in a tight play-in contest, Philadelphia secures a playoff spot. Despite regular playoff appearances, advancing past the second round has eluded them since their NBA Finals run in 2001.
Miami Heat
Having made an impressive run to the NBA Finals last year from the play-in, Miami faces top-seeded Boston this round. They aim to repeat last year’s success, where they ousted several higher-seeded teams.
Western Conference Overview
Oklahoma City Thunder
Achievements: The Thunder clinched the top seed in the Western Conference and won the Northwest Division title. Next Matchup: Winner of the Kings-Pelicans play-in game.
Returning to the playoffs after missing out since 2020, Oklahoma City secured the Western Conference’s top seed. Their playoff history includes regular appearances since their move to OKC, making them seasoned contenders.
Denver Nuggets
Denver, the defending champions, secured the second seed and will face the Lakers, who made it through the play-in. Denver has been a consistent playoff presence, aiming to replicate last season’s championship success.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota heads into the playoffs as the third seed, facing Phoenix. Although their recent playoff experiences have ended early, they look to make a deeper run this year.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers, securing the fourth seed, will host Dallas in their playoff opener. After an early exit last season, they are focused on a more robust playoff performance.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas returns to the playoffs with a matchup against the Clippers. They aim to overcome past playoff disappointments, including the Clippers’ previous elimination.
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix continues its playoff streak, setting up a battle with Minnesota. They’ve reached the conference semifinals recently, but their last NBA Finals appearance was in 2021, ending in a loss.
Los Angeles Lakers
After a decisive play-in victory, the Lakers face a tough challenge against Denver. They seek redemption after the Nuggets sweep the conference finals last season.
New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans, making it back to the playoffs, faces the formidable Thunder. Their recent playoff journeys have been brief, and they hope to make a significant impact this year.