The NBA regular season enters its final week. The playoff picture is clear with a handful of teams finding a way to end the season in their respective conference’s 6th spot or play-in tournament. No team wants to risk missing the playoffs due to slipping up in the play-in tournament. For that reason, the teams fighting for their conference’s 6th seed will be at their best this week. Here are the top 15 teams that could win the NBA finals entering the week of April 6th.
MORE: Predicting the winner of every MLB game on Monday, April 6, 2026
15. Charlotte Hornets
 Charlotte has found a way to win. Their success this season has been aided by Rookie of the Year finalist Kon Kneuppel. The Hornets are half a game out of the Eastern Conference’s 6th spot with three regular-season games left against the Celtics, Pistons, and Knicks.
14. Toronto Raptors
Feb 22, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (5) reacts after scoring a 3-point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Toronto is fighting to jump from 7th to 6th in the Eastern Conference. They’ve faced tough opponents recently and have their work cut out for them. This week features two games against the Heat before ending the season against the Knicks and Nets.
13. Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia enters the week 6th in the Eastern Conference. The team wants nothing more than to stay out of the play-in tournament. The 76ers end the regular season with games against San Antonio, Houston, Indiana, and Milwaukee.
12. Phoenix Suns
The Suns have become familiar with sitting in 7th in the Western Conference. They haven’t shown the ability to leap into 6th place. They are preparing themselves to enter the conference’s play-in tournament as one of the favorites to survive.
11. Atlanta Hawks
In the last month, no team has played better basketball than Atlanta. The team’s hot streak has moved them into 5th place in the Eastern Conference. It is unlikely they will go far, but they will make a tough matchup in a playoff series.
10. Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards looks on during a game against the Dallas Mavericks. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Entering the week, Minnesota holds the 6th spot in the Western Conference. The team has done their best to monitor the health of superstar Anthony Edwards’ ailing knee. The key for the Timberwolves is to enter the playoffs with Edwards as healthy as possible.
9. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are ready to finish the regular season and enter the postseason. The team is ready to rid their mouths of last season’s early playoff exit. Cleveland’s offense ranks among the league’s best in efficiency, but its defense must take a step forward.
8. Houston Rockets
As Houston prepares for the playoffs to begin, the coaching staff will ensure the defense continues playing at a high level. The team’s defense has been among the league’s best, ranking 4th in efficiency. If the Rockets are to get past the Western Conference’s best, their defense will be the reason.
7. Denver Nuggets
Oklahoma City and San Antonio have received more praise in the Western Conference, and that’s fine with Denver. The Nuggets will rely on experience when the playoffs start. The team’s offense ranks first in efficiency and will match up with any team in the league.
6. Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic reacts against the Indiana Pacers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Lakers’ recent success has catapulted them to 3rd in the Western Conference. They’ve grinded throughout the season and have performed at a high level. Superstar Luka Doncic suffered a hamstring injury on April 2nd and is a major blow with one week left in the regular season.
5. New York Knicks
The Knicks have performed at a high level throughout the season. They are prepared for the postseason and are aiming to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for a second consecutive season. A healthy roster will increase their chances of achieving their objective.
4. Boston Celtics
Boston has had a tremendous regular season. The Celtics entered the season with questions surrounding their level of success after losing Jayson Tatum during last year’s postseason. The team has been one of the best in the Eastern Conference and has been rewarded with outstanding play in Tatum’s return from injury.
3. Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham hasn’t played since a collapsed lung suffered on March 17th, but the team has continued winning. They are close to finishing the regular season with the best record in the Eastern Conference. However, it will be difficult to reach the conference finals without Cunningham on the court.
2. San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio has become one of the best teams in the league. The key to this season’s success has been to keep the roster healthy. The Spurs will be a must-watch team in the playoffs.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts after a play against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Paycom Center. Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Thunder have four games remaining before they start their hunt for a second consecutive title. Oklahoma City hasn’t taken a step back after winning their first NBA Championship last season. The offense and defense have ranked in the top five in efficiency.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —