2024 NBA standings update after games on March 30
As the regular NBA season progresses, the playoff picture begins to take shape, with intriguing matchups emerging for both the Western and Eastern Conferences. Here is the update after the games played on March 30.
Western Conference:
The New Orleans Pelicans maintained their grip on the fifth seed despite a loss to the Boston Celtics, leaving them 1.5 games behind the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers. However, the Pelicans remain just a half-game ahead of the sixth-seeded Dallas Mavericks, intensifying the battle for playoff positioning.
Eastern Conference:
In the Eastern Conference, the Orlando Magic secured a crucial win over the Memphis Grizzlies, holding firm in the fifth seed. This victory propelled them 1.5 games behind the fourth-seeded New York Knicks while also maintaining a 1.5-game lead over the sixth-seeded Indiana Pacers.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks strengthened their hold on the second seed with a victory over the Atlanta Hawks, extending their lead to 2 games over the third-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Hawks suffered a setback in their quest for playoff contention, falling to the Bucks and remaining in the tenth seed, trailing the ninth-seeded Chicago Bulls by 1 game.
Playoff Picture:
As the regular season standings currently stand, here’s how the playoff bracket would shape up:
Western Conference:
- Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (8) Play-In Winner
- Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (7) Play-In Winner
- Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks
- Los Angeles Clippers vs. (5) New Orleans Pelicans
Eastern Conference:
- Boston Celtics vs. (8) Play-In Winner
- Milwaukee Bucks vs. (7) Play-In Winner
- Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (6) Indiana Pacers
- New York Knicks vs. (5) Orlando Magic
Play-In Tournament:
If the regular season concluded today, the matchups for the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament would feature:
Western Conference:
(7) Phoenix Suns vs. (8) Sacramento Kings
(9) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (10) Golden State Warriors
Eastern Conference:
(7) Miami Heat vs. (8) Philadelphia 76ers
(9) Chicago Bulls vs. (10) Atlanta Hawks
