2026 NBA Playoffs: Clinching scenarios and standings on March 17

With less than four weeks left to play in the 2025-26 regular season, teams are in the midst of heated battles in the standings ahead of the start of the NBA playoffs on April 18.

The top six teams in each conference will earn an outright playoff berth at the conclusion of the regular season.

The next four teams will compete in the play-in tournament on April 14-17 for the last two seeds in each conference, respectively.

With 13-15 games remaining on the schedule, 26 teams remain in contention to qualify for the postseason, via either a playoff berth or a spot in the play-in tournament.

The action is set to heat up as teams battle for playoff positioning down the stretch.

Tuesday features eight games on the schedule, with several key matchups and a Western Conference clinching scenario to monitor throughout the evening.

What are the matchups on Tuesday?

COAST 2 COAST TUESDAY HEADLINES 8-GAME SLATE ‼️

🏀 Mitchell, CLE vs Giannis, MIL
🏀 #5 West DEN hosts #9 East PHI
🏀 OKC (#1 in West) seeks 9th straight, vs ORL (#5 in East)
🏀 NYK goes for 4th straight win, hosts IND

📺 NBC, Peacock and NBA League Pass
➡️… pic.twitter.com/49a8yhPBY0
— NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026

NBA Playoff Picture

Which teams have been eliminated from postseason contention?

• Brooklyn Nets (17-51)
• Washington Wizards (16-51)
• Indiana Pacers (15-53)

• Sacramento Kings (18-51)

Western Conference Scenarios for Tuesday

• The Thunder can clinch a playoff berth with a win or a loss by either the Suns or Nuggets
• The Thunder can clinch the Northwest Division title with a win and losses by the Nuggets and Timberwolves