As of early 2026, the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, and Dallas Mavericks sit atop the NBA midseason rankings, each posting records better than 30‑10. The Eastern Conference features a tight race with five teams within three games of a top‑four spot, while the Western Conference sees the Suns, Nuggets and Mavericks separated by just four games, setting up a fierce playoff scramble.
Eastern Conference: Tight Race for Playoff Seeds
Atlantic Division Leaders
Boston Celtics lead the Atlantic with a 32‑12 record, driven by Jayson Tatum’s All‑Star scoring and a top‑five defense in points allowed. Close behind, the Milwaukee Bucks sit at 31‑13, powered by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s aggressive drives despite a recent three‑game skid.
Central and Atlantic Contenders
The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks each hold solid second‑place positions in their divisions, hovering around a .600 winning percentage. The Sixers balance Joel Embiid’s post dominance with Tyrese Maxey’s perimeter scoring, while the Knicks rely on Jalen Brunson’s playmaking.
Southeast Division Volatility
In the Southeast, the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks are tied at 27‑18, but the Charlotte Hornets have sparked a three‑game winning streak that could reshuffle the lower tier of the division.
Western Conference: Power Trio Pull Ahead
Pacific Division Dominance
The Phoenix Suns command the Pacific with a league‑best 34‑10 record, fueled by Devin Booker’s league‑leading 28.4 points per game and a defense that holds opponents under 105 points on average.
Nuggets Challenge the Lakers
Trailing by just two games, the Denver Nuggets have surged past the Los Angeles Lakers, thanks to deep roster contributions and rookie guard Ricky Rubio’s breakout performances.
Southwest Surge
In the Southwest, the Dallas Mavericks lead at 33‑11, with Luka Dončić delivering 30‑point averages and a league‑leading 10.2 assists per game. The Golden State Warriors sit third at 29‑15, while the Memphis Grizzlies hold a solid 28‑16 playoff‑contending record.
Playoff Implications: Seeding, Rest Management, and Trade Deadline
- Seeding Impact: Securing a top‑two seed remains crucial for home‑court advantage. Boston’s Atlantic lead positions them for the East’s #2 seed, while Phoenix’s dominance points to the West’s #1 seed.
- Rest Strategies: Teams are moderating star minutes to preserve health for the postseason, mirroring successful load‑management approaches from recent championship runs.
- Trade Deadline Outlook: With the deadline approaching, clubs on the playoff fringe are likely to explore veteran upgrades, while contenders may seek defensive depth to solidify their rosters.
Looking Ahead: Key Games and Teams to Watch
In the next two weeks, mid‑pack Eastern teams such as the Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls must win at least four of six games to remain in contention. In the West, the Los Angeles Clippers face a challenging road stretch that could determine whether they break into the top six or fall to the playoff bubble.
The NBA season remains in flux, with every seed poised for intense battles as the league heads toward the All‑Star break and the decisive stretch of the regular season.