2025 NBA playoff picture: Standings, bracket, tiebreakers as Warriors control own destiny in final weekend – CBS Sports

Key Takeaways:

• The Golden State Warriors control their own playoff destiny in the final weekend.
• The Western Conference features complex playoff scenarios with only two games remaining.
• Scouts and executives are evaluating teams like the Lakers and Warriors ahead of the playoffs.
• The Phoenix Suns have missed the postseason despite being the NBA’s most expensive team.
• On April 11, all thirty NBA teams play with fifteen seeds still undecided.

Warriors Control Their Destiny in Final Weekend

As the 2025 NBA regular season draws to a close, the Golden State Warriors find themselves in a pivotal position. According to CBS Sports, the Warriors “control their own destiny in [the] final weekend,” meaning their performance in the remaining games will directly determine their playoff standing. This control adds significant pressure but also offers a clear path forward for the team.

The Wild West: Complex Playoff Scenarios

The Western Conference is living up to its reputation for unpredictability. Yahoo Sports reports on “all the wild West scenarios with two games to go for each contender.” With standings so tight, a single win or loss could drastically alter the playoff picture. Every contender is crunching numbers, considering tiebreakers, and strategizing for these final matchups.

Scouts Evaluate Western Contenders

Insight into team dynamics becomes crucial during this critical period. ESPN highlights that “NBA pre-playoff intel: Scouts, execs evaluate Lakers, Warriors and West contenders.” These professional evaluations shed light on strengths, weaknesses, and potential strategies as teams gear up for the postseason. The assessments of the Lakers and Warriors, in particular, suggest areas to watch as the playoffs approach.

Suns’ Costly Miss

In a surprising turn, the Phoenix Suns have “officially miss[ed the] postseason,” as reported by The New York Times. This development is particularly shocking given that they are “the NBA’s most expensive team.” The Suns’ struggle raises questions about the effectiveness of heavy financial investment without the desired on-court results. Their season serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of building a successful team.

Financial Investment vs. On-Court Success

The correlation between a team’s payroll and its success isn’t always straightforward. The Suns’ experience illustrates that star power and high salaries do not guarantee victories. Analyzing how “the NBA’s most expensive team struggled so badly” offers insights into team management and the importance of cohesion and strategy over sheer spending.

April 11: A Night of High Stakes

Tonight promises to be one of the most significant evenings in recent NBA history. The NBA’s official site notes, “Starting 5, April 11: 15 seeds left, 15 games tonight.” All thirty teams will take the court, and with fifteen playoff seeds still undecided, the outcomes will shape the playoff landscape dramatically. Fans and teams alike are bracing for a night where every game carries substantial weight.

Anticipation Builds for the Playoffs

As the final games unfold, anticipation mounts. The blend of calculated strategies, raw talent, and unpredictable elements sets the stage for an exhilarating playoff season. Teams are not just fighting for position but for momentum and confidence heading into the postseason. The narratives crafted in these closing moments will resonate throughout the playoffs and beyond.