Celtics clinch top‑4 seed
The Boston Celtics have clinched a top‑four seed as the regular season nears its end — that reshapes first‑round matchups and home‑court math across the East. The West picture remains tight with the Thunder and Spurs jockeying for the No.1 spot while analysts warn the Sixers could land a brutal opening round depending on final seeding. (cbssports.com)(sports.yahoo.com)
Boston’s clinch came after a 114-99 win over the Charlotte Hornets on March 29, 2026, a victory that marked the Celtics’ 50th win of the season and extended their playoff streak to 12 straight years. (bleacherreport.com)) That result left Boston with a three‑game cushion over the No.3 New York Knicks and one head‑to‑head meeting remaining, a margin CBS says all but locks in the East No.2 spot unless the Celtics collapse down the stretch. (cbssports.com)) Clinching a top‑four finish also guarantees Boston avoids the play‑in and secures first‑round home court, with the NBA’s first round scheduled to begin April 18–19 and the Celtics slated to open at TD Garden. (heavy.com)) Out West, Oklahoma City holds a slim lead over San Antonio with OKC listed at 58-16 and the Spurs at 56-18; San Antonio owns the season tiebreaker after winning four of five head‑to‑head meetings. (bleacherreport.com)) Philadelphia’s positioning remains volatile — current projections put the 76ers around 7th in the East and into the play‑in scenarios, a seeding ESPN/Yahoo analysts and probabilistic trackers warn could produce a brutal opening‑round path depending on how the final games fall. (playoffstatus.com))
