2024 NBA Playoffs: Eastern Conference Standings Finalized
The excitement for the 2024 NBA playoffs is building as the regular season has come to an end. With the seeding finalized, the Eastern Conference standings have been determined, setting the stage for intense first-round matchups.
Leading the pack is the Boston Celtics, who clinched the top seed with their impressive regular-season record. Closely behind them are the New York Knicks, who secured the No. 2 seed with a thrilling overtime victory over the Chicago Bulls on the final day of the season.
The Milwaukee Bucks, who were once considered the title favorites, finished the season as the No. 3 seed after a disappointing loss to the Orlando Magic. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Magic rounded out the top five, earning the No. 4 and No. 5 seeds, respectively.
The Indiana Pacers secured the No. 6 seed with a dominant victory over the Atlanta Hawks. The Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, Bulls, and Hawks will participate in the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament to determine the final two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.
Western Conference Standings: Thunder Claim Top Seed
The Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as the top seed in the Western Conference, dominating the regular season with their stellar play. The Denver Nuggets secured the No. 2 seed, setting up a potential rematch of the 2023 Western Conference Finals.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, LA Clippers, and Dallas Mavericks each earned top-five seeds, while the Phoenix Suns jumped the New Orleans Pelicans to claim the No. 6 seed. The Pelicans, Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Golden State Warriors will face off in the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament for the final two playoff berths in the West.
Play-In Tournament Sets Stage for Exciting Matchups
The SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament will determine the final four teams to make the NBA playoffs. The No. 7 and No. 8 seeds from each conference will face off, with the No. 7 seed hosting the game. The winner of each matchup will advance to the first round of the playoffs, while the loser will face the winner of the No. 9 and No. 10 seed matchup.
In the Eastern Conference, the 76ers will host the Heat, while the Bulls will welcome the Hawks. The Western Conference matchups feature the Pelicans hosting the Lakers and the Kings taking on the Warriors.
First-Round Matchups to Watch
With the seeds finalized, the first-round matchups are set to produce some thrilling basketball. The Celtics will face the winner of the Heat-76ers matchup, while the Knicks will battle the winner of the Hawks-Bulls game. The Bucks will face the Pacers, and the Cavaliers will take on the Magic.
In the West, the Thunder will face the winner of the Lakers-Pelicans matchup, while the Nuggets will play the winner of the Warriors-Kings game. The Timberwolves will battle the Suns, and the Clippers will face the Mavericks.
The NBA playoffs are set to begin on Tuesday, April 16th with the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament. The first round of the playoffs will start on Saturday, April 20th, with the NBA Finals potentially starting on June 6th.
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Deepika