2025 NBA Playoffs: Clinching scenarios and updated standings for March 19
With less than four weeks remaining in the regular season, teams around the NBA have already started to lock up their positions in the standings ahead of the playoffs on April 19.
The top six teams in each conference will earn an outright playoff berth at the conclusion of the regular season. The next four teams will compete in the play-in tournament on April 15-18 for the last two seeds in each conference, respectively.
With 12-15 games remaining on the schedule, 28 teams remain in contention to qualify for the postseason by either a playoff berth or a spot in the play-in tournament. The action projects to heat up with teams battling for playoff positioning in their respective conferences.
Wednesday features 11 games on the schedule, with several clinching and elimination scenarios to monitor throughout the evening. Here are the latest standings and updates:
What are the matchups on Wednesday?
Loaded 11-game Wednesday slate! 🍿
— NBA (@NBA) March 19, 2025
▪️ HOU seeks 8th straight win, visits ORL
▪️ DEN (#3 in West) vs. LAL (#4 in West)
▪️ IND hosts DAL after OT thriller
▪️ DET/MIA clash in East matchup
📺 ESPN & NBA League Pass
📲 https://t.co/sihcMEGYqzpic.twitter.com/NubNhAb2I4
Which teams have clinched a playoff berth?
Western Conference:
- Oklahoma City Thunder (56-12)
Eastern Conference:
- Cleveland Cavaliers (56-12)
- Boston Celtics (50-19)
Which teams have been eliminated from postseason contention?
Western Conference:
- Utah Jazz (15-54)
- New Orleans Pelicans (18-51)
NBA Playoff Picture
🏆 PLAYOFF PICTURE 🏆
— NBA (@NBA) March 19, 2025
Race for West Top 6:
▪️ GSW wins to move .5 games ahead of MIN for 6th
▪️ LAC's win (8th) keeps them within 1 game of GSW
28 days from the #SoFiPlayIn
32 days from the #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google pic.twitter.com/OMmgoFNqdL
Western Conference Scenarios for Wednesday
- Oklahoma City: The Thunder can clinch the No. 1 seed with a win and a loss by the Los Angeles Lakers. They can clinch the Northwest Division with a win or a loss by the Denver Nuggets.
Eastern Conference Scenarios for Wednesday
- Washington: The Wizards are eliminated from postseason contention with a loss and wins by the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 2025 NBA Playoffs: Clinching and elimination scenarios for March 19
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