Clippers Secure #5 Seed:: The LA Clippers defeated the Golden State Warriors 124-119 in overtime, clinching the crucial 5th seed in the Western Conference.
Warriors Fall to Play-In:: With the loss, the Warriors dropped to the 7th seed and will now host the 8th-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in the high-stakes Play-In Tournament.
Nuggets Claim #4 Seed:: Despite recent organizational changes, the Denver Nuggets secured the 4th seed with a win over the Rockets and will face the Clippers in the first round.
Lakers vs. Timberwolves Set:: The 3rd-seeded Los Angeles Lakers are set to battle the 6th-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in another compelling first-round matchup.
Top Seeds Await Play-In:: Oklahoma City (#1) and Houston (#2) have secured the top spots and await the results of the play-in tournament to determine their opponents.
Why this matters:: The final day's results created intense first-round matchups and a pressure-packed play-in scenario for teams like the Warriors, significantly impacting the path to the Western Conference Finals.
The Western Conference playoff race concluded with a bang, highlighted by the Clippers' hard-fought overtime victory at the Chase Center. Kawhi Leonard (33 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds) and James Harden (39 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds) led the charge for the Clippers, overcoming strong performances from Stephen Curry (36 points) and Jimmy Butler (30 points, 9 rebounds) for the Warriors.
This single game shifted the playoff landscape significantly. The Clippers now face a tough first-round series against the reigning champion Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic. The Warriors, meanwhile, must navigate the Play-In Tournament. They will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, April 15th (10 p.m. ET, TNT). The winner of this game secures the 7th seed and a first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets. The loser will get one more chance, facing the winner of the Sacramento Kings (#9) vs. Dallas Mavericks (#10) game on Friday, April 18th, for the final 8th seed spot and a date with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
The final day saw three teams clinch playoff spots, a first since the conference format began in 1970-71, underscoring the competitiveness of the West this season. The Lakers locked in the 3rd seed and will face a challenging Minnesota Timberwolves team, featuring star Anthony Edwards.
Who did the Clippers beat to clinch the 5th seed?
The LA Clippers defeated the Golden State Warriors in overtime, 124-119.
What seed are the Warriors now?
The Golden State Warriors finished as the 7th seed in the West and must participate in the Play-In Tournament.
Who do the Warriors play in the Play-In Tournament?
The Warriors host the 8th-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in the 7-8 game on Tuesday, April 15th.
Which first-round playoff matchups are set in the West?
The matchups currently set are #4 Denver Nuggets vs. #5 LA Clippers and #3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #6 Minnesota Timberwolves.
High Stakes Immediately:: The Play-In Tournament means elimination games start right away for teams like the Warriors and Grizzlies.
Who This Affects Most:: Fans of the Warriors, Clippers, Nuggets, Lakers, Timberwolves, Grizzlies, Kings, and Mavericks will see their teams face immediate high-pressure situations.
How to Prepare:: Check TV schedules (TNT and ESPN carry the play-in games) and follow live updates. Understand the play-in format to know what each game means for seeding and elimination.
Key Storylines:: Watch Kawhi Leonard's playoff form, how the Warriors handle the play-in pressure, and the Lakers/Timberwolves star battle.
The Western Conference bracket is set for an explosive start! Do you think the Warriors will advance out of the play-in? Let us know!
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Source 1: Wild West: Clips clinch 5 seed; Dubs in play-in (ESPN) target="_blank"
Source 2: Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies: How to watch the NBA Play-In Tournament game tonight (Yahoo Sports) target="_blank"
Source 3: NBA Playoff Standings 2025 for Final Regular-Season Records, Seedings and Bracket (Bleacher Report) target="_blank"
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