NBA Basketball 8 Hours

Last updated: April 11, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

NBA Playoff Picture & Record Setting

The Boston Celtics clinched the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed Friday night, tying the franchise and NBA benchmark with 29 made three-pointers in a decisive victory over the Pelicans. Elsewhere in the West, with seeding still fluid, Lakers coach J.J. Redick suggested that opposing teams prefer matching up against the potentially hobbled Los Angeles squad in the first round of the postseason. This comes as many stars were rested across the league, with a staggering 168 players sitting out Friday's slate, including MVP candidates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.

Rookie Milestones Amid Load Management

Despite the widespread resting of key personnel, San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama surpassed the 65-game threshold required for major NBA awards eligibility following a dominant 40-point, 13-rebound performance in a 139-120 victory against the Mavericks. The rookie's consistent availability and production checked another critical box for his burgeoning resume as the regular season winds down and playoff positioning solidifies.