Categories: Sport

7-week sprint to Playoffs: How teams prepare for high-stakes games

New York, N.Y.: New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles against Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) in the 2nd quarter in game 5 of an NBA playoff Eastern Conference Semi-final round,May 14, 2024, at Madison Square Garden. (Photo by J. Conrad Williams, Jr./Newsday RM via Getty Images)

The NBA season resumes Wednesday after the All-Star break, marking the start of a seven-week sprint toward the playoffs. Every team has between 26 and 30 games left, with contenders looking to secure seeding and struggling teams fighting to stay in the race.

Top teams already in position

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 11: The Cleveland Cavaliers take the court at the United Center on November 11, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)

Oklahoma City and Cleveland boast league-best 44-10 records, while defending champion Boston remains a dominant force. Other teams like New York, Denver, Houston, and the Lakers have winning percentages above .600, making them virtual locks for the postseason.

The fight for the final spots

While several teams are safe, many remain in a heated battle for playoff positioning. The numbers suggest that seven teams—Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Toronto, Charlotte, Utah, New Orleans, and Washington—are effectively out, leaving 16 teams competing for nine available spots.

Star-studded midseason trades

The trade deadline shook up the league, with major moves reshaping rosters. Luka Doncic joined the Lakers, Jimmy Butler landed in Golden State, and Anthony Davis was sent to Dallas, though his return remains uncertain. These changes set the stage for an unpredictable playoff race.

Pressure builds for contenders

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 03: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards plays against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on February 03, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

With just weeks remaining, teams like Miami, San Antonio, and the Clippers are adjusting to new rosters. Milwaukee hopes Kyle Kuzma will make an impact after moving longtime star Khris Middleton. Meanwhile, Phoenix stands firm with Kevin Durant, banking on their star trio to find chemistry.

Injuries and adjustments

Dallas faces challenges with Davis sidelined and Luka Doncic still recovering. Golden State hopes Butler will reignite their championship hopes alongside Stephen Curry. The pressure is on, and every game from here on out could determine the fate of the season.

Let the race begin

The final stretch of the season promises drama, surprises, and a battle for postseason glory. As Curry put it, “All we want is just to get into a playoff series and have a fighting chance.” Now, it’s time for teams to make their move.

Herbert Bauernebel

Herbert Bauernebel has been reporting from New York since 1999 and currently works for Bild.de, OE24 TV, and US Live. He also runs the news portal AmerikaReport.de. Bauernebel has covered nearly all major US events of the past quarter-century, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama’s election, Donald Trump’s surprise victory, the pandemic, last year’s election showdown, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills. He has also reported firsthand on international events, including the Asian tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and the Fukushima disaster. He lives in Brooklyn with his family and holds degrees in communication and political science from the University of Vienna. Bauernebel is the author of a book about his experiences on 9/11, And the Air Was Full of Ash: 9/11 – The Day That Changed My Life.