Below are the latest playoff clinching, playoff seeding and playoff elimination scenarios for the 2026 NBA playoffs. The SoFi Play-In Tournament begins April 14 and the NBA Playoffs begin April 18.
Postseason scenarios for March 20
- Detroit clinches a playoff spot with 115-101 win over Golden State
NBA Playoffs bracket
(After games played on March 20)
Western Conference
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Play-In Winner
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Play-In Winner
(3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
(4) Houston Rockets vs. (5) Denver Nuggets
Eastern Conference
(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (8) Play-In Winner
(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Play-In Winner
(3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Orlando Magic
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Toronto Raptors
SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament
(After games played on March 20)
Western Conference
(7) Phoenix Suns vs. (8) Portland Trail Blazers
(9) LA Clippers vs. (10) Golden State Warriors
Eastern Conference
(7) Atlanta Hawks vs. (8) Miami Heat
(9) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (10) Charlotte Hornets
> SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament FAQ and format explainer
When do the playoffs start?
Here are the key dates for the NBA postseason:
- The 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament will take place April 14-17.
- The first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs will start April 18.
- Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals will be June 3.
Which teams have clinched a playoff spot?
Here are the teams that have clinched a playoff berth:
Western Conference
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- San Antonio Spurs
Eastern Conference
- Detroit Pistons
Which teams have been eliminated?
Here are the teams that have been eliminated from postseason contention (listed in alphabetical order):
Western Conference
- Sacramento Kings
- Utah Jazz
Eastern Conference
- Brooklyn Nets
- Indiana Pacers
- Washington Wizards
