NBA mid-March Madness: Thunder dominate, Lakers climb, East's bottom seeds heat up ahead of NBA Playoffs

The playoff picture is shaking up big time as OKC continues to lead, the Lakers leap up in the West, and more ahead of the NBA Playoffs.

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The Los Angeles Lakers surged to the No. 3 spot in the West after winning their fourth straight game

The Phoenix Suns also contributed to the Western shake-up by winning four in a row to solidify their No. 7 standing

Multiple NBA teams are riding significant winning streaks that have dramatically reshaped the playoff picture in both conferences as of March 13, 2026. The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with their seventh consecutive victory, boasting a dominant 52-15 record. 

NBA Standings as East and West teams shake up ahead of NBA Playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers surged to the No. 3 spot in the West after winning their fourth straight game, overtaking previous higher seeds like the Denver Nuggets. In the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks vaulted into the No. 8 play-in position by rattling off eight straight wins.

The momentum extends to several other contenders. The Miami Heat secured the No. 6 seed in the East with seven consecutive victories, while the Orlando Magic hold the No. 5 spot following six straight triumphs. 

The Phoenix Suns also contributed to the Western shake-up by winning four in a row to solidify their No. 7 standing. These extended hot streaks highlight how late-season surges are intensifying battles for seeding and playoff berths with roughly one month left in the 2025-26 regular season.

The developments underscore the unpredictability of the stretch run, as teams like the Thunder solidify their dominance while others, such as the Lakers in the loaded West and the Hawks clawing into the East's play-in mix, capitalize on momentum to improve their postseason positioning. 


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