In a stunning turn of events, the race for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference witnessed two upsets, leaving the top-seeded Boston Celtics awaiting the unfolding playoff bracket below them.
The New York Knicks emerged victorious in an intense overtime battle against the Chicago Bulls, securing the coveted No. 2 seed. This marks their first 50-win campaign since 2012–13, a significant milestone for the storied franchise.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks suffered a surprising loss to the Orlando Magic, while the Cleveland Cavaliers fell short against the Charlotte Hornets. However, the Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Magic clinched wins in their final regular-season games, sealing their spots in the postseason.
As per the NBA website, the Eastern Conference standings are now set with the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and Atlanta Hawks occupying the top five seeds.
NBA Playoffs Bracket Is Now Complete After All Postseason Game
The 76ers, Heat, Bulls, and Hawks will battle it out in the play-in round for the remaining two playoff berths, with the top six teams securing their positions in the NBA playoffs.
Sunday’s games delivered thrilling victories in the East, including the Orlando Magic’s impressive 113-88 triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks, the Charlotte Hornets’ surprising 120-110 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the New York Knicks’ nail-biting win over the Chicago Bulls.
The Magic’s three-game winning streak propelled them into the postseason for the first time since 2020, signaling a resurgence for the team.
Looking ahead to the playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks, plagued by a late-season slump and the absence of top player Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a calf injury, will face the Indiana Pacers in a rematch of their in-season tournament semifinal.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, now at the No. 4 seed after their first-round exit last year, are set for a favorable matchup against the Orlando Magic.
The New York Knicks, fresh off their No. 2 seed triumph, await the winner of the play-in game between the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers. Meanwhile, the play-in game victor between the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks will advance to face the loser of the 76ers-Heat match for a chance to take on the Celtics in the opening round.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the Eastern Conference playoffs promise an exciting and competitive showdown among the top teams vying for a shot at the NBA championship.