List of NBA teams qualified & eliminated from Playoffs this year

The 2026 NBA Playoffs are set to ignite excitement as the league's postseason kicks off in mid-April following the conclusion of the 2025-26 regular season. With all 30 teams wrapping up their regular-season schedules on April 12, the first round of the playoffs proper begins on April 18, launching a thrilling series of best-of-seven matchups across the Eastern and Western Conferences that will unfold through late spring.

In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder dominate as the No. 1 seed with a stellar 55-15 record, riding a remarkable 10-game winning streak. Close behind, the San Antonio Spurs hold the No. 2 spot, particularly with Victor Wembanyama's impact. The Los Angeles Lakers sit at No. 3, having surged recently with a hot streak, followed by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, and others in a competitive top tier.

List of NBA teams already qualified and eliminated from playoffs

In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons lead, clinching a top seed with a balanced attack and solid defense, highlighted by their point differential and home dominance. The Boston Celtics trail at No. 2, the New York Knicks round out the top three, while teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, and Orlando Magic fill out the upper playoff spots.

With the regular season soon to end, this time is the most crucial for the teams for their playoff hopes. The Thunder and Pistons as favorites heading into the postseason, though tight races in both conferences could still shift seeds in the final weeks. Ahead of the playoffs, let's have a look at the teams already eliminated and the teams qualified.

NBA franchises already eliminated from Playoffs

The Utah Jazz will not be going into the NBA Playoffs this season for the fourth consecutive year. They were officially eliminated from playoff contention after a 147-111 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.

Additionally, the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets are the other teams which wont be appearing in the playoffs this season.