We’re just weeks away from the start of the NBA Playoffs (including key NBA on NBC matchups), and while the full lineup of teams isn’t in focus yet, the picture’s getting a lot clearer.
Several teams from around the league have already been eliminated from playoff contention, while still more have clinched playoff berths and the rest are in the hunt for a spot in either the NBA Playoffs proper or the Play-In Tournament that leads off the postseason. So, with the Playoffs fast approaching, let’s take a closer look at which teams have made it, and which teams will try again next season. (We’ll be updating this list as more teams lock in their playoff berths, so be sure to bookmark this page.)
RELATED: How Do the NBA Playoffs and Play-In Tournament Work in 2026?
Which NBA teams have clinched playoff berths so far?
Victor Wembanyama on the court with his hands on his hips
A total of 20 NBA teams will make the Playoffs in one form or another, with eight competing in the Play-In Tournament to determine the final 16 teams for the 2026 NBA Playoffs proper. So far, only three of those 16 playoff spots have been filled, with exactly the teams you’d expect.
Here’s who’s in:
Oklahoma City Thunder:Â The defending NBA champs hit the ground running in the 2025-2026 season and basically never slowed down. They’ve got the best record in basketball, and they’re eyeing a repeat.
San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs are second only to the Thunder in overall wins and losses, and they’ve managed to beat Oklahoma City more often than not so far this season. They’ve got a lot of young talent, led by MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama, and if any team can upset OKC in the Western Conference Playoffs, it’s San Antonio.
Detroit Pistons:Â The only team in the East to clinch a playoff berth so far, the Pistons have led their conference for much of the season, putting up numbers so good that it’s always been a battle for second place in the Eastern Conference.
RELATED:Â The Full 2025-2026 Schedule of NBA Games on NBC and Peacock
Which NBA teams have been eliminated from playoff contention so far?
Bennedict Mathurin #00 of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
So far, we’ve got seven teams who definitely won’t reach the NBA Playoffs in 2026, leaving just three teams left in total elimination territory. The most shocking of these eliminations: the Indiana Pacers, who fell from winning the Eastern Conference last season to possibly finishing last in the entire East this season, thanks in no small part to losing superstar guard Tyrese Haliburton to injury for the entire year.
Here’s the full list of the teams eliminated from the 2026 NBA Playoffs so far:
Which teams will clinch playoff berths next? Who will be eliminated? Keep watching the NBA on NBC and checking back here to find out!
NBA on NBC
The NBA is officially back on NBC and Peacock, with exclusive games every week across broadcast and streaming featuring some of the biggest stars in the game.
The action kicks off every week with Peacock NBA Monday, featuring exclusive games streaming only on Peacock. Then on Tuesday nights, check out NBC’s Coast 2 Coast Tuesday, which features two marquee games in primetime. With Sunday Night Football wrapped up, the NBA has also taken over NBC’s weekends with Sunday Night Basketball, with a primetime showcase game every week to wrap up the weekend.
Check out the full schedule for every NBA game on NBC and Peacock this season right here.
From real-time stats and predictive fun to highlight clips and immersive angles, Peacock’s suite of NBA features puts you in control of how you watch the game:
Courtside Live: An interactive, mobile-first viewing experience with new camera feeds and immersive perspectives that bring you to center court. Available weekly for select games throughout the 2025-2026 season.
Peacock Performance View: Unlock a next-level broadcast with dynamic overlays showing playing insights, heat maps, scoring probabilities, and more.
Can’t Miss Highlights: Swipeable vertical highlights on the Peacock mobile app for quick recaps of clutch moments, momentum shifts, and standout plays, wherever you are.
Peacock ScoreCard: Turn every game into an interactive experience. Pick from a range of cards and watch as your predictions come true.
Catch Up With Key Plays: Instantly revisit the most pivotal game moments with a curated playlist you can access anytime below your player controls.
Sign up for Peacock now to make sure you’re not missing a second of the NBA action. You can also gift the experience!