Cavaliers Clinch First Playoff Spot Since 2016 as Season Winds Down

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2025 – With six weeks remaining in the 2024-25 NBA regular season, the playoff landscape is beginning to solidify as teams secure postseason spots. The Cleveland Cavaliers have positioned themselves to claim the Eastern Conference’s top seed, marking their first appearance in the playoffs since the 2015-16 season.

In the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers lead the standings over the defending champion Boston Celtics. The Cavaliers are currently the only team to have clinched at least a play-in tournament spot. Last season, they entered the playoffs as the No. 4 seed before being eliminated by the Celtics in the conference semifinals.

“We’re excited about getting back into the playoffs,” said Cavaliers star player Darius Garland. “This is what we’ve been working towards, and it feels good to be in this position again.”

As teams gear up for the postseason, the competition is intensifying. The top six teams from each conference will automatically qualify for the playoffs, while the No. 7 and No. 8 spots will be determined through the play-in tournament. The Eastern Conference features several teams vying for those crucial playoff positions.

While the Cavaliers are thriving, several franchises have struggled throughout the season. The Washington Wizards, now holding the worst record in the league, possess a dismal defense allowing an average of 121.2 points per game, combined with an offense that averages only 108.3 points. With the trade deadline looming, the Wizards appear to be focusing on rebuilding for future seasons.

In Utah, the Jazz have had their challenges as well. Under head coach Will Hardy, the team is trying to rebound from a lackluster performance. All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen has not met expectations this season, and the Jazz remain one of the league’s worst defensive teams.

Injuries have also plagued the New Orleans Pelicans, preventing them from contending seriously in the Western Conference. Recent trades, including sending Brandon Ingram away prior to the deadline, have further complicated their season.

“It has been very tough this year,” said Pelicans guard CJ McCollum. “Injuries hit us hard, and we had to make some difficult decisions.”

The Cavaliers are not alone in the Eastern Conference; the Indiana Pacers have shown improvement, recently entering the top four in the standings. With key players returning to form, their offensive capabilities have surged, scoring 116.4 points per game.

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are also regarded as a powerhouse heading into the playoffs. They don’t hold the best record in the NBA, but they remain a formidable opponent. Head coach Joe Mazzula has emphasized keeping the team healthy as they prepare for a deep playoff run.

The upcoming weeks promise to bring heightened intensity in the race for playoff positioning, as teams like the Toronto Raptors seek to reclaim their standing after dealing with injuries.

As the season draws to a close, the excitement surrounding the playoffs builds. Analysts predict that a number of intriguing matchups will emerge from the postseason, making this year’s NBA playoffs one of the most anticipated in recent memory.