In a crucial Eastern Conference showdown on Wednesday night, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 122-116, preventing the Hawks from clinching a guaranteed playoff spot. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 31 points, while Evan Mobley dominated the boards with 19 rebounds, a career high tying performance. The win moves Cleveland within half a game of the third place New York Knicks and ensures they will finish no lower than fourth in the East. 

Meanwhile, the Western Conference playoff picture became clearer as the Minnesota Timberwolves officially clinched their playoff berth following a loss by the Phoenix Suns. The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to hold the best record in the league (63-16), maintaining a threegame lead over the second place San Antonio Spurs. With the regular season ending in mere days, teams like the Clippers, Suns, and Warriors are locked in a tense battle for seeding in the SoFi Play In Tournament, which begins April 14. 

In other league news, the Houston Rockets extended their win streak to seven games with a victory over the Suns, while the Pelicans set a new franchise scoring record in a 156-137 win against the Jazz. Rookie Jeremiah Fears led New Orleans with a career high 40 points, the most ever by a Pelicans freshman. These late season surges are reshaping the bracket as fans prepare for the start of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 18.