The NBA Playoffs are two weeks away. Teams are battling to the finish for seeding, home court, preferred matchups, and to make it in, or out, of the play-in tournament.
This season the playoff picture looks a bit different with the play-in tournament added. The teams that finish in seventh and eighth in each conference will play for the No. 7 seed; the loser will face the winner of the No. 9 vs. No. 10 matchup for the eighth and final spot in each conference.
Here's a look at where the eight teams are currently slated to land in the play-in tournament and their odds to make the playoffs.
Western Conference Playoff Standings
Eastern Conference Playoff Standings
NBA Playoff Picture
Using our projections, we’ve predicted how the playoff standings would shake out based on simulating the final games of the regular season.
Here’s a look at where the NBA Playoff picture stands as of today:
Based on our model, here are the results of where each team is expected to land and the most likely first-round playoff matchups in each conference:
Projected Eastern Conference Matchups
Projected Western Conference Matchups
East Notes
The Atlanta Hawks can clinch at least a top-six spot in the playoffs Wednesday with a win or a loss by the Boston Celtics. The Knicks can also clinch a playoff spot with a Celtics loss. Our projections give the Hawks 45% chance to secure the No. 4 spot in the East and the Knicks are just behind with a 31% chance.
The Chicago Bulls no longer control their own destiny and would be eliminated by a win from the Washington Wizards.
West Notes
The Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers can secure playoff berths with wins and a loss from the Los Angeles Lakers. As of Wednesday, the Mavericks have an 80% chance to grab the No. 5 spot and the Trail Blazers have a 50% chance to become the No. 6 seed, but the Lakers are still looming at 31% to avoid the play-in.
