Overview

• The Oklahoma City Thunder secured the NBA's best record at 68-14, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and enter the playoffs as the top seed in the West.
• The Cleveland Cavaliers claimed the East's No. 1 seed after a dominant season-opening 15-game win streak under new coach Kenny Atkinson.
• Defending champions Boston Celtics, aiming for back-to-back titles, finished second in the East with a 61-21 record and open against the Orlando Magic.
• The Los Angeles Lakers, bolstered by Luka Doncic's midseason trade and LeBron James' leadership, face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.
• DraftKings Sportsbook odds favor the Thunder (+165) and Celtics (+195) to win the championship, highlighting their regular-season dominance.