Knicks Clinch Playoff Spot, Thunder Secure Top Seed Ahead of Play-In Tournament

As the NBA playoffs approach, the race for playoff seeding intensifies, particularly in the Western Conference where the Oklahoma City Thunder have clinched the top seed. The Houston Rockets, currently holding onto the No. 2 seed, are competing with the Nuggets, Lakers, and Grizzlies for positioning as they prepare for the upcoming Play-In Tournament scheduled for April 15-18. The New York Knicks have secured their playoff berth for the third consecutive year and are focused on achieving homecourt advantage in the first round, while the Cleveland Cavaliers are experiencing recent struggles despite holding a strong season record. The Play-In Tournament provides an additional layer of drama, allowing teams finishing between seventh and tenth a chance to vie for the final playoff spots. With many teams still fighting for their positions, fans can expect an exciting conclusion to the regular season as the playoff picture becomes clearer. Overall, the competitive landscape suggests that every game counts as teams seek both stability and momentum heading into the playoffs.