NBA playoff picture heading into final day of regular season
While only one day remains in the 2020-21 NBA regular season, a lot still needs to be settled.
The top spot in the Western Conference remains up for grabs, and the play-in tournament matchups aren't locked in yet.
Nearly all of Sunday's games have significant implications on the playoff picture.
Here's what's at stake in each of the key contests.
Eastern Conference
| Seed | Team | Record | GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philadelphia 76ers | 48-23 | - |
| 2 | Brooklyn Nets | 47-24 | 1 |
| 3 | Milwaukee Bucks | 46-25 | 2 |
| 4 | New York Knicks | 40-31 | 8 |
| 5 | Atlanta Hawks | 40-31 | 8 |
| 6 | Miami Heat | 39-32 | 9 |
| 7 | Boston Celtics | 36-35 | 12 |
| 8 | Charlotte Hornets | 33-38 | 15 |
| 9 | Washington Wizards | 33-38 | 15 |
| 10 | Indiana Pacers | 33-38 | 15 |
Cavs vs. Nets
The odds are in Brooklyn's favor to finish with the East's second-best record. Out of four possible scenarios, the Nets will only fall to third if Cleveland and Milwaukee are victorious.
Bucks vs. Bulls
The Bucks must take care of business against the Bulls to have a shot at the No. 2 seed. The club is increasing its attendance capacity to 50% for the playoffs, which may end up being significant in a potential second-round clash against the Nets.
Celtics vs. Knicks
Sunday's outcome won't affect Boston's place in the standings. Meanwhile, New York can drop to sixth and draw the powerhouse Nets or Bucks in the postseason's opening round with a loss to the Celtics.
Heat vs. Pistons
Miami will likely stay put at No. 6 even if they beat Detroit, though the Heat could move up a spot with a win and a Knicks loss.
Rockets vs. Hawks
Atlanta is locked into the 4-5 matchup but could gain home-court advantage in the first round with a Knicks loss.
Hornets vs. Wizards
The task is simple for both clubs. A win gets you the eighth seed, and a loss could send you tumbling to 10th.
Pacers vs. Raptors
Indiana's pursuit for the No. 8 seed ended after losing to the Lakers on Saturday. The Pacers can host the 9-10 play-in tournament contest with a victory over Toronto.
Western Conference
| Seed | Team | Record | GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utah Jazz | 51-20 | - |
| 2 | Phoenix Suns | 50-21 | 1 |
| 3 | Denver Nuggets | 47-24 | 4 |
| 4 | L.A. Clippers | 47-24 | 4 |
| 5 | Dallas Mavericks | 42-29 | 9 |
| 6 | Portland Trail Blazers | 41-30 | 10 |
| 7 | Los Angeles Lakers | 41-30 | 10 |
| 8 | Golden State Warriors | 38-33 | 13 |
| 9 | Memphis Grizzlies | 38-33 | 13 |
| 10 | San Antonio Spurs | 33-38 | 18 |
Suns vs. Spurs
A Phoenix loss will put them out of the running for the West's No. 1 seed, regardless of how Utah fares later in the evening. The Suns will finish no lower than second in the conference.
Nuggets vs. Blazers
Denver will wrap up the No. 3 seed with a victory, but they can also secure the spot with a Clippers loss.
Portland could climb as high as the fifth seed or drop into the play-in tournament as the West's seventh-ranked team. Damian Lillard and Co. will at least maintain their positioning with a victory. However, a loss to Denver gives the Lakers an opportunity to overtake them.
Clippers vs. Thunder
Los Angeles needs a win along with a Blazers victory to seize the West's third seed. Otherwise, the Clippers will remain in fourth.
Jazz vs. Kings
The Jazz's spot atop the West will only be in jeopardy if the Suns are victorious earlier in the day. A loss to Sacramento will drop Utah into the No. 2 slot and give the Suns home-court advantage throughout the postseason.
Grizzlies vs. Warriors
Both teams rested their stars ahead of Sunday's pivotal showdown. The winner gets the eighth seed, while the loser falls to ninth and must win two consecutive games to secure a playoff berth.
Lakers vs. Pelicans
The return of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Dennis Schroder will undoubtedly bolster the Lakers' chances for a victory Sunday, but they'll need the Blazers to lose to obtain the sixth seed and avoid the play-in tournament.
Mavs vs. T-Wolves
Dallas is in the driver's seat for the No. 5 seed and guaranteed a top-six finish in the West. A Mavs loss combined with victories for the Blazers and Pelicans is the only combination that'll push Portland past Dallas.