Play In Drama: Raptors, Sixers, Hawks

Three teams have clinched with two weeks left and the full 20-team postseason field is settled, though seeding and play-in participants will be decided in the final games. The East looks particularly volatile around seeds five through ten, with Detroit, Boston, New York, and Cleveland holding the top four and Toronto, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Orlando, Miami, and Charlotte fighting for positioning and play-in survival. In the West, Oklahoma City and San Antonio sit atop while the Lakers chase the No. 3 seed and Phoenix looks locked into seven. Merlin sees a dance of schedules and momentum. Philadelphia has eight games to nudge into the top six, Atlanta brings a hot streak, and Toronto’s easier close could protect its seed. Small swings will flip play-in matchups and bracket paths, so expect daily shifts and late drama.