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NBA Playoffs Set to Begin After Regular Season Ends

4/13/2026

25 5 Full Breakdown

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NBA Playoffs Begin

The 2025-26 NBA regular season concluded on April 12, 2026, and the top six seeds in both conferences were confirmed, led by the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Play-In Tournament runs April 14–17, 2026, for teams ranked 7–10 in each conference.
First-round matchups feature the Philadelphia 76ers against the Orlando Magic and the Charlotte Hornets against the Miami Heat.
The NBA Finals begin June 3, 2026.

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Raptors Clinch Playoff

The Toronto Raptors clinched a playoff return with a 136-101 victory over the Nets, finishing at 46 wins.
They will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round, their fourth playoff meeting and their first since 2021-22.
Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors posted a triple-double, and Jakob Poeltl (Toronto Raptors) dominated the Nets.
Team aims to build on recent success as it enters the playoffs.

History

Historical Context

The 1984 NBA Finals featured a historic clash between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, culminating in a seven-game series where the Celtics triumphed 4-3, securing their 15th championship. Larry Bird's standout performance, averaging 27 points and 14 rebounds, earned him the Finals MVP. This rivalry, reignited in 1979 with the arrival of Bird and Magic Johnson, significantly shaped the NBA's playoff structure and team legacies.

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NBA Playoffs Begin

The 2025-26 NBA regular season concluded on April 12, 2026, and the top six seeds in both conferences were confirmed, led by the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Play-In Tournament runs April 14–17, 2026, for teams ranked 7–10 in each conference.
First-round matchups feature the Philadelphia 76ers against the Orlando Magic and the Charlotte Hornets against the Miami Heat.
The NBA Finals begin June 3, 2026.

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