NBA Standings 2026: Complete Playoff Picture as of March
The NBA regular season is entering its final stretch, and the playoff picture is coming into focus. Here is a complete breakdown of the standings in both conferences as of mid-March.
Western Conference
The OKC Thunder have the best record in the NBA at 52-14. SGA is the MVP favorite, and their defense is the best in the league. The Denver Nuggets (48-18) are second, powered by Jokic's historic season. The Minnesota Timberwolves (46-20) are third, with Anthony Edwards playing the best basketball of his career.
The Houston Rockets (44-22) have been the surprise of the season, led by their young core. The Dallas Mavericks (42-24) round out the top 5 with Luka Doncic orchestrating one of the best offenses in the league. The LA Clippers (40-26), Phoenix Suns (38-28), and Sacramento Kings (36-30) complete the playoff field.
Eastern Conference
The Boston Celtics lead the East at 50-16, looking to defend their championship. The Cleveland Cavaliers (48-18) are right behind them, with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley forming one of the best duos in the league. The New York Knicks (44-22) are third, thriving under Tom Thibodeau's intense defensive system.
The Indiana Pacers (42-24) play the fastest pace in the league and are a nightmare matchup for slower teams. The Milwaukee Bucks (40-26) have Giannis but have been inconsistent. The Philadelphia 76ers (38-28), Orlando Magic (36-30), and Miami Heat (34-32) round out the playoff picture.
Play-in race
The play-in tournament features the 7th through 10th seeds. In the West, the Kings, Lakers (35-31), Pelicans (34-32), and Warriors (33-33) are battling for play-in spots. In the East, the Heat, Atlanta Hawks (33-33), Chicago Bulls (32-34), and Brooklyn Nets (31-35) are in the mix.
Key storylines
The race for the 1-seed in both conferences is tight. Home-court advantage throughout the playoffs is a massive prize, and the Thunder, Celtics, Nuggets, and Cavaliers are all fighting for it. The final 16 games will determine seeding, matchups, and ultimately which teams have the best path to the championship.