March 26, 2026, 11:37 a.m. ET
With less than three weeks left to play in the 2025-26 regular season, teams are in the midst of heated battles in the standings ahead of the start of the NBA playoffs on April 18.
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 14-17 for the last two seeds in each conference, respectively.
With 8-10 games remaining on the schedule, 22 teams remain in contention to qualify for the postseason, via either a playoff berth or a spot in the play-in tournament. The action is set to heat up as teams battle for playoff positioning down the stretch.
Thursday night features three games on the schedule, with some playoff teams taking the court and an Eastern Conference clinching scenario to monitor.
What are the matchups on Thursday?Updated StandingsWhich teams have clinched a playoff berth?
Western Conference:
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Oklahoma City Thunder (57-16)San Antonio Spurs (55-18)
Eastern Conference:
Detroit Pistons (52-20)Which teams have been eliminated from postseason contention?
Western Conference:
New Orleans Pelicans (25-48)Memphis Grizzlies (24-48)Dallas Mavericks (23-50)Utah Jazz (21-52)Sacramento Kings (19-54)
Eastern Conference:
Washington Wizards (17-55)Brooklyn Nets (17-56)Indiana Pacers (16-57)Eastern Conference Scenarios for ThursdayThe Knicks can clinch a playoff berth with a win