NBA Playoff Standings: Who's In and Who's Out This Season?

2025-11-20 13:01

As I sit here scrolling through the latest NBA playoff standings, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of excitement and tension that defines this time of year. Having followed basketball religiously for over fifteen years, both as a fan and amateur analyst, I've developed a keen sense for spotting those under-the-radar teams that often make the most dramatic playoff pushes. This season has been particularly fascinating because we're seeing several teams emerge from relative obscurity to challenge the established hierarchy, much like the players described in that beautiful quote from Deloria about coach Dong producing quality players who just need "a chance to shine."

The Eastern Conference picture has crystallized considerably in recent weeks, with Boston and Milwaukee securing their spots early, but it's the middle of the pack that truly captures my imagination. Personally, I've been incredibly impressed with Cleveland's quiet ascent. They've managed to stay largely out of the national spotlight despite building what I consider to be one of the most cohesive defensive units in the conference. The Cavaliers remind me of those players Deloria mentioned - operating under the radar but possessing undeniable quality. Their backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland has developed into one of the league's most potent combinations, with Mitchell averaging what I believe is around 28.3 points per game since the All-Star break, though I'd need to double-check the exact figure. What makes them dangerous isn't just their star power but their depth - they have at least seven players who can legitimately change a game.

Out West, the situation remains fluid in a way that keeps me checking standings multiple times daily. While Denver and Phoenix have looked like locks for weeks, the play-in tournament picture involves at least six teams separated by mere games. As someone who values team construction, I've found myself particularly drawn to Sacramento's resurgence. They play with an offensive verve that's simply exhilarating to watch, and their core of Sabonis and Fox has developed a chemistry that I'd argue rivals any duo in the conference. The Kings are precisely the kind of team that exemplifies Deloria's point about quality players waiting for their moment - they've been building toward this for three seasons, and now they're finally getting their chance to shine on the playoff stage.

What many casual observers miss, in my view, is how much coaching impacts these late-season pushes. I've always believed that the best coaches, like the coach Dong referenced, don't just draw up plays - they create environments where players can exceed their perceived limitations. Look at what Tom Thibodeau has done with the Knicks, for instance. Despite significant injuries, they've remained competitive through sheer force of will and systematic precision. Or consider the Thunder's Mark Daigneault, who has somehow accelerated Oklahoma City's rebuild by at least a year through his player development approach. These coaches understand that creating quality players isn't about flashy signings but about cultivating the talent you have.

The teams on the outside looking in break my heart every season, and this year is no exception. I had high hopes for Toronto, with their intriguing blend of length and versatility, but they've consistently struggled in clutch situations. Their offensive rating in the final five minutes of close games sits at what I'd estimate is around 98.7, which simply won't cut it in today's NBA. Brooklyn represents another disappointment from my perspective - they have the individual talent with Bridges and Johnson, but they've never quite gelled as a cohesive unit. Sometimes, having quality players isn't enough if the system doesn't allow them to complement each other properly.

As we approach the final stretch, the margin for error becomes almost nonexistent. From my experience watching playoff races evolve over the years, the teams that succeed are typically those that peak at the right moment while staying relatively healthy. The teams I'm most bullish about are those with continuity - the Grizzlies despite their injuries, the Warriors with their championship DNA, and surprisingly, the Lakers if they can secure a favorable matchup. Meanwhile, I'm skeptical about teams like Miami repeating last year's magical run, if only because the East has become significantly more competitive top to bottom.

The beauty of the NBA playoff race lies in these narratives of emergence and validation. When I read quotes like Deloria's about players and teams finally getting their chance to shine, I'm reminded why I fell in love with basketball analytics in the first place. It's not just about numbers and standings - it's about human potential actualized through opportunity. The playoff picture we see forming isn't merely a collection of qualified teams but a manifestation of seasons of development, adjustment, and perseverance. As someone who has followed this league through multiple eras, I can confidently say this has been one of the most compelling races in recent memory, precisely because so many of these teams have emerged from that "under the radar" space to claim their moment in the spotlight.