15. Charlotte Hornets<\/p>\n
\u00a0Charlotte 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\u2019s 6th spot with three regular-season games left against the Celtics, Pistons, and Knicks.<\/p>\n
14. Toronto Raptors<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/USATSI_28316630_168396005_lowres-1024x682.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n
Toronto is fighting to jump from 7th to 6th in the Eastern Conference. They\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n
13. Philadelphia 76ers<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
12. Phoenix Suns<\/p>\n
The Suns have become familiar with sitting in 7th in the Western Conference. They haven\u2019t shown the ability to leap into 6th place. They are preparing themselves to enter the conference\u2019s play-in tournament as one of the favorites to survive.<\/p>\n
11. Atlanta Hawks<\/p>\n
In the last month, no team has played better basketball than Atlanta. The team\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
10. Minnesota Timberwolves<\/p>\n
![\"Minnesota](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/default-2134-1024x683.jpg\")
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards looks on during a game against the Dallas Mavericks. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
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\u2019 ailing knee. The key for the Timberwolves is to enter the playoffs with Edwards as healthy as possible.<\/p>\n
9. Cleveland Cavaliers<\/p>\n
The Cavaliers are ready to finish the regular season and enter the postseason. The team is ready to rid their mouths of last season\u2019s early playoff exit. Cleveland\u2019s offense ranks among the league\u2019s best in efficiency, but its defense must take a step forward.<\/p>\n
8. Houston Rockets<\/p>\n
As Houston prepares for the playoffs to begin, the coaching staff will ensure the defense continues playing at a high level. The team\u2019s defense has been among the league\u2019s best, ranking 4th in efficiency. If the Rockets are to get past the Western Conference\u2019s best, their defense will be the reason.<\/p>\n
7. Denver Nuggets<\/p>\n
Oklahoma City and San Antonio have received more praise in the Western Conference, and that\u2019s fine with Denver. The Nuggets will rely on experience when the playoffs start. The team\u2019s offense ranks first in efficiency and will match up with any team in the league.<\/p>\n
6. Los Angeles Lakers<\/p>\n
![\"Los](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/default-757-1024x683.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n
The Lakers\u2019 recent success has catapulted them to 3rd in the Western Conference. They\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n
5. New York Knicks<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
4. Boston Celtics<\/p>\n
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\u2019s postseason. The team has been one of the best in the Eastern Conference and has been rewarded with outstanding play in Tatum\u2019s return from injury.<\/p>\n
3. Detroit Pistons<\/p>\n
Cade Cunningham hasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
2. San Antonio Spurs<\/p>\n
San Antonio has become one of the best teams in the league. The key to this season\u2019s success has been to keep the roster healthy. The Spurs will be a must-watch team in the playoffs.<\/p>\n
1. Oklahoma City Thunder<\/p>\n
![\"NBA](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/USATSI_28087054_168396005_lowres-1024x683.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n
The Thunder have four games remaining before they start their hunt for a second consecutive title. Oklahoma City hasn\u2019t taken a step back after winning their first NBA Championship last season. The offense and defense have ranked in the top five in efficiency.<\/p>\n