NBA Playoffs Approach Amid Last-Minute Team Decisions and Trades

San Francisco, CA — The NBA‘s final regular-season day on April 14, 2025, felt like a playoff atmosphere, with every team vying for critical wins. The Golden State Warriors secured their position above the Memphis Grizzlies, who must now fight for survival in the play-in tournament to reach the playoffs. Warriors coach Steve Kerr is optimistic as the team holds home-court advantage against the eighth-seeded Grizzlies.

In a dramatic turn, the Grizzlies dropped from second to eighth in the Western Conference standings over the last month, leaving them without home-field advantage in crucial matchups. Meanwhile, Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo expressed relief after his team achieved a comfortable victory over the Dallas Mavericks, 132-97, in their regular-season finale. Iisalo noted, “We needed this win to lift our spirits before an intense playoff battle.”

The Mavericks’ loss has opened potential matchups for the Grizzlies, depending on Friday’s outcomes against the Warriors and Kings. Despite the pressure, Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama did not play against the Mavericks, indicating he may have been rested for the pivotal games ahead.

The excitement also surged in other games, particularly when the LA Clippers edged the Warriors in a closely contested game. The Minnesota Timberwolves secured the last direct playoff spot in the West, fulfilling expectations for a strong finish this season. In the East, the New York Knicks solidified their position as third seeds, avoiding the Milwaukee Bucks and setting up a matchup with the Detroit Pistons.

The final day of regular-season competition produced notable upsets, including the Los Angeles Lakers’ unexpected loss to the Portland Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets succumbing to the Denver Nuggets, further complicating playoff scenarios.

Moving forward, the aftermath of the regular season has resulted in a flurry of coaching changes. The Phoenix Suns, deemed a disappointment this year, announced the firing of coach Mike Budenholzer after failing to make the play-in tournament. The Suns released a statement emphasizing their commitment to high-level competition and the necessity for change: “Our fans deserve more; adjustments must be made.”

This puts Budenholzer’s departure in context with earlier changes made by the Denver Nuggets and Grizzlies, where coaches Michael Malone and Taylor Jenkins were let go despite their teams being playoff-bound. Conversely, the Portland Trail Blazers expressed confidence in their coach Chauncey Billups, announcing his extension despite a series of subpar seasons. Billups stated, “We are building this team the right way, establishing a solid defensive culture.”

As the anticipation builds for this weekend’s playoff series, the Los Angeles Lakers, now led by Luka Doncic, prepare to face the Timberwolves—a rematch from last year’s playoffs where Doncic eliminated the then-best team in the West. Despite losing Anthony Davis to injury, Doncic’s arrival has revitalized the Lakers, making them formidable contenders.

Doncic’s influence is palpable, having quickly become a leading force in the league and topping the sales of NBA jerseys for the 2024-2025 season. He surpassed established stars like Stephen Curry and LeBron James in merchandise sales, marking a significant moment in his burgeoning career.

Stats provided by the NBA highlight Doncic’s rising popularity, showcasing him as the third most-watched player on digital platforms this season. His recent performances, coupled with a record-breaking viewership of his games, underscore his impact as the playoffs approach.