- 23 teams remain in playoff contention during final regular-season games
- Warriors-Lakers showdown highlights potential first-round preview
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander nears MJ's 20-point game streak record
- NBA 3-point record set to fall with 30,850+ makes this season
- Play-in tournament begins April 15 with revamped format
The NBA's regular season climax features unprecedented competition, with over 75% of franchises still fighting for playoff positioning. Eastern Conference teams like Cleveland and Boston have secured postseason berths, while Western squads face tighter battles. The play-in tournament format continues reshaping strategies, with mid-tier teams like Miami and Chicago aiming to avoid elimination rounds.
Thursday's marquee Warriors-Lakers matchup showcases two legacy franchises potentially colliding in the first round. Stephen Curry and LeBron James renew their historic rivalry as both teams jockey for seeding advantages. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander eyes Michael Jordan's single-season 20-point game streak record during Friday's Houston matchup.
Three-point shooting continues revolutionizing the game, with the league poised to break last season's record of 31,579 makes. Boston nears Golden State's team 3-point record, while three players could reach 300 makes - a first in NBA history. This long-range emphasis impacts playoff-bound teams like Denver and Phoenix, who prioritize floor spacing in their offensive schemes.
The Western Conference's play-in scramble features six teams within four games. Minnesota and Memphis face mounting pressure to avoid the 7-10 seed bracket, while Dallas and Sacramento battle for direct playoff access. Eastern play-in hopefuls like Atlanta and Chicago must capitalize on remaining games to secure home-court advantage for elimination matchups.
Veteran leadership proves crucial down the stretch, with 39-year-old Chris Paul potentially becoming the second-oldest player to start 82 games. His court generalship contrasts with young stars like Anthony Edwards, whose Timberwolves seek their first playoff berth in four seasons. This generational clash highlights the NBA's evolving competitive landscape.
Betting markets favor Oklahoma City (+175) and Boston (+190), but dark horses like Denver (+1400) loom as championship threats. The April 11 full-slate games could dramatically alter standings, while April 13's season finale guarantees must-watch drama. Analysts predict record-breaking viewership for the play-in tournament, which debuted in 2021 to mixed reactions but now drives late-season engagement.
Regional focus: Miami's six-game win streak showcases their playoff readiness, with Bam Adebayo's defensive versatility fueling the Heat's resurgence. Coach Erik Spoelstra's system thrives in high-pressure scenarios, making South Beach a feared first-round destination for top seeds.