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NBA Regular Season Ends April 12; Playoffs Begin Soon

4/13/2026

Summary

NBA Playoff Picture

The 2025-26 NBA regular season ends on April 12, with all 30 teams playing their final games.
The playoffs start on April 18, following the Play-In Tournament from April 14-17.
In the Eastern Conference, teams like the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers compete for the last playoff spots.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons have secured top seeds, while the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Cleveland Cavaliers are also playoff-bound.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets are currently battling for seeding in the Western Conference.

Summary

Rockets Secure Playoff Seed

The Houston Rockets secured the fifth seed in the Western Conference after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves, as they monitor the final games to determine their opponent.
Their potential first-round opponent could be the Los Angeles Lakers or the Denver Nuggets.
The Lakers, currently fourth, want to avoid the Rockets and face the Timberwolves.
The Nuggets are resting starters as the playoffs begin on April 18 and matchups remain undecided.

History

Historical Context

The 1984 NBA playoffs marked a pivotal change as the league expanded the postseason format to include 16 teams, allowing for a more competitive landscape. The Boston Celtics triumphed over the Los Angeles Lakers in a thrilling Game 7, watched by over 17 million viewers. This rivalry, reignited by the emergence of stars like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, continues to shape NBA dynamics today.

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NBA Playoff Picture

The 2025-26 NBA regular season ends on April 12, with all 30 teams playing their final games.
The playoffs start on April 18, following the Play-In Tournament from April 14-17.
In the Eastern Conference, teams like the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers compete for the last playoff spots.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons have secured top seeds, while the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Cleveland Cavaliers are also playoff-bound.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets are currently battling for seeding in the Western Conference.

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