2026 NBA playoff picture: Who would be in bracket if season ended today?
The NBA regular season will resume Thursday, Feb. 19, following its one-week break for the All-Star Game.
Attention quickly turns to the race for the postseason with less than two months to play before the regular season ends. The reigning-champion Oklahoma City Thunder are in prime position to defend their title as they sit at the top of the Western Conference standings. But it’s the surprise Detroit Pistons of the Eastern Conference who boast the NBA’s best record heading into the second half.
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Here’s who else would be in the playoffs if the NBA regular season ended today:
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Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shake hands during the 3-point contest.
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Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shake hands during the 3-point contest.
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Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) celebrates with the trophy after winning the 3-point contest.
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Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts during the 3-point contest.
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Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Adam Devine looks on during the 3-point contest.
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Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) competes in the 3-point contest.
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Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Miami Heat guard Normal Powell (24) reacts during the 3-point contest.
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Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Guy Fieri looks on during the 3-point contest.
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Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Keegan-Michael Key and Chris Tucker look on during the 3-point contest.
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Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) reacts during the 3-point contest.
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Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (20) reacts during the 3-point contest.
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Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel (7) competes in the 3-point contest.
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Stars shine on and off the court at NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Spike Lee acknowledges a fan before the start of NBA All-Star Saturday Night.
NBA playoff bracket
Records and standings through Tuesday, Feb. 17:
Eastern Conference
Cleveland Cavaliers (34-21)
Western Conference
Oklahoma City Thunder (42-14)
Golden State Warriors (29-26)
When does NBA regular season end?
The final day of the regular season is Sunday, April 12.
When is NBA play-in tournament?
The NBA play-in tournament will begin Tuesday, April 14 and conclude Friday, April 17.
How does NBA play-in tournament work?
The tournament is divided into two rounds:
Round 1
Game 1: No. 7 seed vs. No. 8 seed
Game 2: No. 9 seed vs. No. 10 seed
The No. 7 and No. 9 seeds play at home in the first round. The winner of Game 1 secures the No. 7 seed in their respective conference playoff bracket. The loser of Game 1 continues to the second round and hosts the winner of Game 2. The loser of Game 2 is eliminated from playoff contention.
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Round 2
Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 winner
The winner of this game secures the No. 8 and final seed in the playoffs. The loser is eliminated from playoff contention.
