One Seed Locked, 19 Spots Still Up for Grabs: The Final Week of the NBA Regular Season Is Here
The NBA regular season is down to its final week, and the playoff picture is about to get real. With only one seed officially clinched heading into the stretch, 19 of the 20 remaining playoff spots are still being fought for. This is when March Madness energy meets professional basketball, and every single game matters.
The Playoff Picture Is Wide Open
Out West, the Nuggets and Lakers are currently tied for third place. In the East, teams are jockeying for position as we head into what could be one of the most chaotic final weeks in recent memory. The NBA tips off its playoffs next Tuesday, so these final matchups will determine everything about seeding, matchups, and which teams get to go home early versus which ones get another month of basketball. Twelve games this week have major playoff implications, and you better believe every possession counts.
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On Sunday's 11-game slate, Cooper Flagg did something nobody in the league has done before: he became the NBA's first teenager to score 50 points in a game. Flagg went head-to-head with LeBron and made history while doing it. Meanwhile, the Rockets got a huge win, holding off the Warriors 117-116 in a game that had major storylines. Stephen Curry returned after a two-month absence and dropped 29 points, but it wasn't enough. Durant led the Rockets to victory with 31 points, with a clutch Sengun floater spoiling Curry's return.
Around the League
The Clippers dominated the Kings 138-109. The Mavericks beat the Lakers 134-128, with LA's Reaves sidelined by an oblique injury. The Magic topped the Pelicans 112-108, the Cavaliers beat the Pacers 117, the Thunder crushed the Jazz 146-111, and the Hornets rolled past the Timberwolves 122-108. DeRozan also passed Oscar Robertson for 16th all-time in career points. The Bulls parted ways with front office leadership, signaling major changes ahead.
One week left. Nineteen spots still open. This is why we watch basketball.
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