OKC clinches playoff spot with 9th straight win, Westbrook climbs to 5th all-time in assists & more from 8-game Tuesday.
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 18
Oklahoma City clinches the Northwest Division title with losses by Denver and Minnesota
Utah is eliminated with a loss OR wins by Golden State and Portland
NBA Playoffs bracket
(After games played on March 17)
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 17)
Western Conference
(7) Phoenix Suns vs. (8) LA Clippers
(9) Golden State Warriors vs. (10) Portland Trail Blazers
Eastern Conference
(7) Miami Heat vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks
(9) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (10) Charlotte Hornets
>Â 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
Eastern Conference
Which teams have been eliminated?
Here are the teams that have been eliminated from postseason contention (listed in alphabetical order):
Western Conference
Eastern Conference
Brooklyn Nets
Indiana Pacers
Washington Wizards