2024 NBA playoff pursuit: Tracking playoffs, Play-In, and projected bracket

With the regular season of the National Basketball Association (NBA) drawing to a close on April 14, anticipation for the 2024 NBA playoffs is reaching a fever pitch. Teams across both the Eastern and Western Conferences are jockeying for postseason positioning, aiming to secure their spot in the playoffs or at least a chance in the play-in tournament, which will take place from April 16 to 19.

The playoff structure for this season promises heightened drama and intensity, with some familiar faces and a few surprises in the mix. Here's a breakdown of the current postseason picture:

Eastern Conference Standings:

• Clinched Playoff Spot: The Boston Celtics have secured the No. 1 seed, ensuring their place in the postseason.
• At Least a Play-In Spot: The Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers are all within reach of the playoffs, but haven't clinched a spot yet.
• Only a Play-In Spot: The Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks are in contention solely for a play-in spot.
• Eliminated: Teams like the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Detroit Pistons are out of playoff contention.

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Western Conference Standings:

• Clinched Playoff Spot: The Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, and Oklahoma City Thunder have secured their places in the postseason.
• At Least a Play-In Spot: The LA Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and New Orleans Pelicans are vying for a playoff berth.
• In Contention: The Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Houston Rockets are still in the hunt for a postseason appearance.
• Eliminated: The Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, and San Antonio Spurs won't be making a playoff run this year.

Projected Playoff Brackets:

In the Eastern Conference, the playoff bracket is shaping up with the Celtics as the top seed. The play-in tournament will see matchups like the 76ers vs. the Heat and the Hawks vs. the Bulls, with the winners advancing to the first round against higher-seeded teams.

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Eastern Conference Playoff Bracket:

Play-in Tournament:

• No. 8 76ers at No. 7 Heat (April 16)
• No. 10 Hawks at No. 9 Bulls (April 17)
• Winner 9/10 at loser 7/8 (April 19)

First Round:

• No. 1 Celtics vs. No. 8 seed (Heat/76ers/Bulls/Hawks)
• No. 2 Bucks vs. No. 7 seed (Heat/76ers)
• No. 3 Cavaliers vs. No. 6 Pacers
• No. 4 Magic vs. No. 5 Knicks

In the Western Conference, the Timberwolves are set as the top seed. The play-in tournament will feature contests such as the Kings vs. the Pelicans and the Warriors vs. the Lakers, determining the final seeds for the first round.

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Western Conference Playoff Bracket:

Play-in Tournament:

• No. 8 Kings at No. 7 Pelicans (April 16)
• No. 10 Warriors at No. 9 Lakers (April 17)
• Winner 9/10 at loser 7/8 (April 19)

First Round:

• No. 1 Timberwolves vs. No. 8 seed (Pelicans/Kings/Lakers/Warriors)
• No. 2 Nuggets vs. No. 7 seed (Pelicans/Kings)
• No. 3 Thunder vs. No. 6 Suns
• No. 4 Clippers vs. No. 5 Mavericks

The road to the NBA Finals is set to be filled with thrilling moments, intense matchups, and potential upsets. As the regular season winds down, basketball fans everywhere are eagerly awaiting the tip-off of the playoffs on April 20, eager to see which teams will rise to the occasion and make a run for championship glory. Stay tuned for all the latest updates as the NBA playoffs draw near.