The NBA Playoffs will kick off a week from Saturday. Somehow, however, we still don’t have any idea what the matchups will be. The standings are incredibly tight in the East — and even tighter in the West. Accordingly, NBA fan bases around the country are freaking out.
It might go down as the craziest finish to a regular season that NBA fans have ever seen. Only three games separate the team currently slotted into the West’s No. 4 seed, the Utah Jazz, and the team all the way down at No. 10, the L.A. Clippers.
THIS IS NUTS pic.twitter.com/wG86sUzEBT
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) April 5, 2018
As one Reddit poster noted, it is mathematically possible that seven teams in the West could end up with identical records. Here are the scenarios that would need to play out for that to happen.
If that incredible situation comes to fruition, the Clippers and New Orleans Pelicans would be the odd teams out by way of tiebreaker.
In The East
The situation is somewhat clearer in the East, but not much. Cleveland (currently No. 3) and Philadelphia (No. 4) have identical records. It is quite possible that Ben Simmons and company, who are now playing without Joel Embiid, could overtake LeBron James and company.
Furhtermore, only 0.5 game separates the teams between Nos. 6-8 (Miami, Washington, and Milwaukee, respectively).
Thursday night’s action will play a pivotal role in deciding the playoff picture.
Thank you basketball gods for blessing us with Thursday’s NBA schedule.
🚨PLAYOFF PLAY-INS🚨
Clippers vs. Jazz
Wolves vs. Nuggets🏀PLAYOFF TEAMS🏀
Wizards vs. Cavaliers
Blazers vs. Rockets
Warriors vs. Pacers🇬🇷GREEK FREAK🇬🇷
Nets vs. Bucks🙌🙌🙌
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) April 5, 2018
The top seeds look all but certain: Toronto will secure the East’s No. 1, and Boston, which fell to the Raptors Wednesday night, will claim No. 2. Houston has clinched the West’s No. 1 seed with Golden State at No. 2.
