)
The final regular season games of the NBA in the US and Canada are set to tip off in the early hours of April 13th. All 15 matchups across both conferences will begin in two distinct time slots – seven Eastern Conference games at 1:00 AM Bulgarian time, followed by eight Western Conference games starting at 3:30 AM.
The earlier Eastern Conference games carry significantly higher stakes in the playoff race. Sixth-placed Toronto Raptors and seventh-placed Orlando Magic share an identical 45-36 record, with the Canadians holding the tie-breaker advantage. Meanwhile, the eighth-seeded Philadelphia 76ers are lurking, with a last-minute chance to secure a direct playoff berth. Even with a loss, Philadelphia cannot drop below their current position, ensuring a favorable start to the play-in tournament if they need to go through it.
The battle for ninth place also promises excitement, as the Charlotte Hornets (43-38) have suffered two consecutive losses, jeopardizing their chances for a higher regular-season finish. A win tonight for the Miami Heat (42-39) could see them draw level with the Hornets.
In the top five of the conference, everything is settled, with no possible changes in the standings. The Detroit Pistons (59-22), Boston Celtics (55-26), New York Knicks (53-28), Cleveland Cavaliers (51-30), and Atlanta Hawks (46-35) will play for pride and await the playoff bracket.
Regarding the Western Conference's top six race, the picture appears clear, with no major questions about who will participate in the playoffs and who will enter the play-in tournament. However, the LA Lakers (52-29) could potentially overtake the third-seeded Denver Nuggets (53-28), and conversely, the Lakers could also cede their fourth spot to the Houston Rockets (51-30).
The seeding for the play-in tournament also has some unresolved questions. It's clear that the Phoenix Suns (44-37) cannot be dislodged from seventh place, and the Golden State Warriors (37-44) cannot climb higher than tenth. However, the fight for eighth place will go down to the wire, contested by the LA Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers, who enter the final day with identical 41-40 records.
Sportal.bg will provide live coverage of the final day of the NBA regular season. You can find the full schedule here:
&format=webp)
&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)