NBA Standings After Week 25: Playoff Positions Shake Up as Finals Race Intensifies
The NBA’s Week 25 standings have reshuffled the playoff picture, with the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns now locked in the top two seeds while the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks remain in a heated battle for the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, have climbed into the top eight in the West after a crucial road win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Here’s the latest on team records, key storylines, and what’s at stake as the season winds down.
Current Standings: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and Who’s Fighting for Their Lives
As of April 10, 2026, the NBA standings reflect a high-stakes final stretch with multiple teams still in contention for playoff berths. Below are the updated records for each conference:
Eastern Conference
| Team | W-L | GB | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | 52-28 | — | W-L-W-L-W |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 49-31 | 3.0 | L-W-W-L-W |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 47-33 | 5.0 | W-L-W-W-L |
| New York Knicks | 46-34 | 6.0 | L-W-L-W-W |
| Toronto Raptors | 44-36 | 8.0 | W-L-W-L-W |
| Miami Heat | 43-37 | 9.0 | L-W-W-L-W |
| Atlanta Hawks | 42-38 | 10.0 | W-L-W-W-L |
| Brooklyn Nets | 41-39 | 11.0 | L-W-L-W-W |
Western Conference

| Team | W-L | GB | Last 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | 55-25 | — | W-W-W-L-W |
| Phoenix Suns | 53-27 | 2.0 | L-W-W-W-W |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 50-30 | 5.0 | L-W-L-W-W |
| Golden State Warriors | 48-32 | 7.0 | W-L-W-W-W |
| Dallas Mavericks | 47-33 | 8.0 | L-W-W-L-W |
| San Antonio Spurs | 45-35 | 10.0 | W-L-W-W-L |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 44-36 | 11.0 | L-W-W-L-W |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 43-37 | 12.0 | W-L-W-L-W |
Note: Game back (GB) figures are based on current records as of April 10, 2026. The NBA’s official standings are updated nightly on the NBA’s official website.
Key Storylines: Who’s Still in the Race and What’s Next
The final two weeks of the regular season will determine which teams earn playoff berths and which are left on the outside looking in. Here are the most critical storylines:
1. The Celtics vs. Bucks Playoff Showdown
The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks remain locked in a tight battle for the final two playoff spots in the East. With both teams holding slim leads over the teams behind them, a single loss could spell the end of their seasons. The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, have held a slight edge in head-to-head matchups this year, but the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a dominant force.
What’s at stake: A loss to the Knicks or Raptors could push either team out of the playoffs entirely. The Bucks, in particular, have been inconsistent in their final 10 games, while the Celtics have shown resilience with key wins over the Heat and Nets.
2. Warriors’ Late Charge for the Playoffs
The Golden State Warriors, who entered the season with high expectations, have clawed their way back into playoff contention with a 4-1 record over their last five games. Steph Curry’s return from injury has reignited their offense, and their road win over the Lakers was a statement victory.
What’s next: The Warriors face the Spurs and Mavericks in their final two games. A win over Dallas would secure their spot in the playoffs, but a loss could leave them in a tiebreaker scenario with the Trail Blazers.
3. Nuggets and Suns Locked in for Top Seeds
The Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns have solidified their spots as the top two seeds in the West, but the race for the third seed remains wide open. The Lakers and Warriors are both in contention, with the Lakers holding a slight edge in the standings.

Implications: The top three seeds in the West will host first-round series, giving them a significant home-court advantage. The Nuggets, in particular, will look to close out the season strong to secure the No. 1 seed.
Injury Updates: Who’s Available for the Final Stretch?
Injuries have played a significant role in shaping the NBA’s Week 25 standings. Here’s a look at the key players who may impact the final two weeks:
- Jayson Tatum (Celtics): Tatum has been playing at an elite level but has dealt with minor soreness in recent games. The Celtics will need him to stay healthy for their final push.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks): Giannis has been limited by a strained hamstring but returned to action last night. His availability will be crucial in the Bucks’ final games.
- Stephen Curry (Warriors): Curry’s return has been a game-changer for the Warriors, but he has been dealing with fatigue. Coach Steve Kerr will need to manage his minutes carefully.
- LeBron James (Lakers): LeBron has been playing through a nagging knee issue but remains a key leader for the Lakers. His durability will be tested in their final games.
Note: For the most up-to-date injury reports, check the NBA’s official injury report.
What Happens Next: The Final Two Weeks of the Regular Season
The NBA’s regular season concludes with two weeks of high-stakes games. Here’s a look at the most critical matchups and what they mean for the playoff race:
April 12–14: Celtics vs. Knicks, Bucks vs. Raptors
These games will be pivotal in determining which teams secure playoff spots. The Celtics and Bucks cannot afford to lose, while the Knicks and Raptors will look to pull off upsets.
April 15–17: Lakers vs. Warriors, Spurs vs. Mavericks
The Lakers and Warriors will face off in a potential playoff-clinching game, while the Spurs and Mavericks battle for the final Western Conference playoff spot.
April 18–20: Playoff Picture Finalized
The final two weeks will conclude with the NBA Draft Lottery and the start of the playoffs. Teams will know their fate by April 20, with the first round of the playoffs set to begin on April 24.
FAQ: What You Need to Know About the Playoff Race
Q: How many teams make the NBA playoffs?
A: Eight teams from each conference make the playoffs, with the top seven seeds earning automatic berths. The eighth seed is determined by the team with the best record among the remaining teams.

Q: What are the tiebreakers for the NBA playoffs?
A: If two or more teams are tied in the standings, the following tiebreakers apply in order:
- Head-to-head record
- Division record
- Record vs. common opponents
- Record vs. division opponents
- Record vs. conference opponents
- Record vs. common division opponents
Q: When do the NBA playoffs start?
A: The first round of the NBA playoffs is set to begin on April 24, 2026. The NBA Finals will conclude with the championship game on June 20, 2026.
Q: How can I follow the latest NBA standings?
A: For real-time updates, check the NBA’s official standings page or follow Archysport for in-depth analysis and breaking news.
The NBA’s Week 25 standings have set the stage for a dramatic final stretch. With playoff positions still up for grabs, the next two weeks will be critical for teams across the league. Stay tuned for live updates, injury reports, and tactical breakdowns as the season reaches its climax.
What do you think? Will the Celtics or Bucks secure the final playoff spots? Share your predictions in the comments below.
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