NBA playoffs set as Rockets surge and Knicks face dangerous first-round test

The NBA playoffs picture is locked in, and the final day of the regular season has reshaped expectations heading into the postseason.

With the Play-In Tournament set to begin Tuesday and the first round tipping off this weekend, several teams head into the playoffs with momentum, while others face far more complicated paths.

Rockets land dream matchup at perfect time

The Houston Rockets have emerged as one of the biggest winners heading into the playoffs.

Just weeks ago, they looked like a favourable first-round opponent in the Western Conference. Now, after winning nine of their last 10 games, they enter the postseason in strong form and will face an injury-hit Los Angeles Lakers side.

With key absences, including Austin Reaves and potentially Luka Dončić, the balance of the series has shifted significantly, handing Houston a far more manageable opening matchup than expected.

Knicks handed nightmare matchup

The New York Knicks, meanwhile, may feel less fortunate.

Instead of a more favourable opponent, they will take on the red-hot Atlanta Hawks in the first round. Atlanta has been among the league’s most dangerous teams since the All-Star break, particularly from three-point range, which could expose New York’s defensive weaknesses.

The Knicks are still expected to advance, but this is unlikely to be the straightforward series they would have hoped for.

Cavaliers get clearest path in East

The Cleveland Cavaliers appear to have benefited the most from how the bracket has fallen.

They will face the Toronto Raptors, widely seen as one of the weaker playoff teams in the Eastern Conference, while also avoiding the Boston Celtics until at least the conference finals.

If results go as expected, Cleveland could have one of the smoothest routes deep into the playoffs.

Spurs decision could backfire

The San Antonio Spurs may come to regret how their regular season ended.

After resting Victor Wembanyama in their finale against the Denver Nuggets, they missed a chance to influence the playoff bracket. The result could leave them facing both Denver and the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in consecutive rounds.

Blazers earn crucial play-in edge

The Portland Trail Blazers secured the No. 8 seed with a final-day win, giving them two chances to qualify for the playoffs through the Play-In Tournament.

While a deep run remains unlikely, the opportunity offers valuable postseason experience for a developing squad.

Bucks make key move off court

Off the court, the Milwaukee Bucks made headlines with reports that head coach Doc Rivers is set to depart following a disappointing season.

The move could be significant in efforts to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo to remain long term, as uncertainty continues to surround the team’s future.

Magic stumble at worst moment

The Orlando Magic missed a key opportunity to secure a stronger position, falling short despite facing a weakened Celtics lineup.

They now head into the Play-In Tournament needing to win on the road to keep their playoff hopes alive.

What comes next

The Play-In Tournament begins this week, with the first round of the NBA playoffs starting on Saturday.

With momentum shifting, matchups locked in and several contenders facing unexpected challenges, this postseason is shaping up to be far more unpredictable than expected.