The highly anticipated NBA Playoffs 2024 are approaching, and several teams have secured their spots in the most exciting stage of the year. While some teams continue to compete, others have bid farewell to the race for the postseason.
The top six teams with the best records in the Eastern and Western Conferences will directly qualify for the NBA Playoffs, with their seeding determined by their winning percentages.
Meanwhile, the teams ranked 7th to 10th in each conference will participate in the NBA Play-in Tournament, taking place from April 17th to April 20th, competing for two playoff spots. More information about the Play-in can be found in the article below.
The NBA Playoffs 2024 will feature a total of 16 teams, with eight teams from each conference. Among them, four spots, with two teams from each conference, will be determined through the Play-in tournament.
So, which teams have already secured their spots in the NBA Playoffs 2024? Which teams are currently in the group that will compete in the NBA Play-in Tournament? Which teams have been eliminated and are already planning for the NBA Draft next year?
Here is the updated information about the teams participating in the NBA Playoffs 2024:
EASTERN CONFERENCE OVERVIEW:
Confirmed Playoff Spots for NBA Playoffs 2024: Boston Celtics (secured the number 1 seed), Milwaukee Bucks
Play-in Spots, not yet guaranteed for the Playoffs: Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat
Only qualified for the Play-in (unable to reach the top 6): Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks
No longer in contention for the Playoffs: Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons
Currently, the Boston Celtics have secured the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference as well as in the entire NBA, granting them home-court advantage throughout the Playoffs and even the NBA Finals (if they make it that far).
The battle to determine the top six teams in the Eastern Conference, who will directly qualify for the Playoffs, is still intensely contested. Six teams are striving to escape the Play-in group and secure their spots. Due to the close records among these teams, this battle promises to remain tense until the final days of the Regular Season.
Additionally, the Eastern Conference has already determined the first Play-in match between the Chicago Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks. These two teams are currently ranked 9th and 10th, respectively, unable to reach the 8th spot but also safe from dropping to the 11th spot.
WESTERN CONFERENCE OVERVIEW:
Confirmed Playoff Spots for NBA Playoffs 2024: Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder
Play-in Spots, not yet guaranteed for the Playoffs: LA Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors
No longer in contention for the Playoffs: Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs
The top three teams in the Western Conference have already secured their spots in the Playoffs: the Timberwolves, OKC Thunder, and defending champions Denver Nuggets. They have solidified their Playoff positions and will compete for seeding.
It is highly likely that the LA Clippers (4th seed) will face the Dallas Mavericks (5th seed) in the Playoffs. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Lakers are still competing for the 6th position in the standings, which is the final direct qualification spot for the Playoffs.
With the Golden State Warriors securing their 43rd victory over the weekend, they have officially eliminated the Houston Rockets from contention and secured a Play-in spot for themselves. Theoretically, the Warriors still have a chance to climb into the top 6, but in reality, it is a challenging task to accomplish.