NBA Playoff Image, Tickets Punched – ESPN 98.1 FM

The 2024 NBA playoffs are officially set and teams will complete the 2023-24 season. However, the sowing date has not yet been decided.

Anticipation is building and teams are putting the finishing touches before the playoffs begin in full throttle.

It's the last week of the regular season and the top seed West is still up for grabs 🍿

1 game separates the #1 Timberwolves, #2 Nuggets and #3 Thunder.

Take a look at the remaining schedule and watch everything unfold in the final four games! pic.twitter.com/xl0ObBKSka

– NBA (@NBA) April 8, 2024

Early postseason preview

The Boston Celtics secured the best record in the East, the Milwaukee Bucks are currently in second place. The Western Conference has its top three teams firmly in control: the Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Team to beat

The Celtics have maintained the best record in the NBA all season and have been extremely successful with their star-studded core. The deadly duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown was the cornerstone of the Celtics' offense.

BEST RECORD IN THE @NBA LIKED 😤 pic.twitter.com/BdjYgs4BZD

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 4, 2024

What's remarkable is that the Celtics have decimated team after team, which is why they have led the league practically from the start.

Play-in spot

With the season ending on April 14, there should be more clarity on the playoff format.

It's an exciting time in the NBA, with chaos looming as teams try to make a name for themselves. There are teams that have secured a play-in spot but have not yet punched a ticket to the playoffs. Looking at the play-in configuration, the West currently consists of the Lakers, Warriors, Pelicans and Kings. The 7th through 10th spots are currently occupied by the Bulls, Hawks, 76ers and Heat.

Who plays who?

With play-in beginning April 16, the top seeds from East and West await their upcoming opponents. Milwaukee will play the winner of the 7-8 game. Depending on the result, Boston will face either the No. 9 or No. 10 seed. Minnesota awaits the results of 7-8 and Denver will host the last team to win. The play-in format can be complex, but once the play-in is complete, the playoffs are up for grabs.

1 week left until #SoFiPlayIn!

Who will manage to do that from the 7-10 places? #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel? pic.twitter.com/BdyJOBOUuk

– NBA (@NBA) April 9, 2024

NBA showdown

The NBA playoffs are full of fight and effort with teams hoping to bring a championship back to their city. Once the play-in is complete and a winner is determined, the first round begins on April 20th.