2025 NBA Playoffs: Clinching scenarios and updated standings for March 23

With three 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 10-12 games remaining on the schedule, 27 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.

Sunday features eight games on the schedule, with elimination scenarios and other key seeding matchups to monitor. Here are the latest standings and updates:

What are the matchups on Sunday?

Sunday Hoops starting at 3:00pm/et! 🍿

🏀 HOU (seeking 10 straight) hosts DEN
🏀 Cade, DET look to continue East push
🏀 OKC vs. LAC: both on 5 game streaks
🏀 East #1 (CLE) #2 (BOS) in action pic.twitter.com/uthiRz6xD6
— NBA (@NBA) March 23, 2025

Which teams have clinched a playoff berth?

Western Conference:

Oklahoma City Thunder (58-12)

Eastern Conference:

Cleveland Cavaliers (56-14)
Boston Celtics (51-19)

Which teams have been eliminated from postseason contention?

Western Conference:

Utah Jazz (16-55)
New Orleans Pelicans (19-52)

Eastern Conference:

Washington Wizards (15-55)

NBA Playoff Picture

NBA STANDINGS UPDATE ‼️

▪️ NYK (East #3), IND (East #4), MIL (East #5), ATL (East #7), & CHI (East #9) all win pic.twitter.com/v02WaINRiQ
— NBA (@NBA) March 23, 2025

Eastern Conference Scenarios for Sunday

Charlotte: The Hornets are eliminated from postseason contention with a loss.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 2025 NBA Playoffs: Clinching and elimination scenarios for March 23

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