LeBron James and Kevin Durant to meet as NBA playoff seeds confirmed
LeBron James and Kevin Durant will face each other in a postseason series for the first time in eight years after the NBA playoff seedings were finalised on Sunday.
James’ Los Angeles Lakers locked up the fourth seed in the Western Conference to secure home-court advantage.
The veteran forward’s team will host Durant’s fifth-seeded Houston Rockets in a highly anticipated best-of-seven matchup.
Eastern Conference play-in drama
The battle to secure a guaranteed top-six place in the East went down to the wire on the final night of regular-season action.
The Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic, dropping the Florida franchise into the eighth spot and the unpredictable play-in tournament.
Orlando will now travel to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.
The winner of that contest will advance directly to the first round, where the Celtics await.
“This one is done. You’ve got to make sure you focus your time and your attention and your energy all on the Philadelphia 76ers right now.”
Jamahl Mosley, Orlando Magic head coach
The loser of the seven-versus-eight game will get a second chance to qualify against either the Charlotte Hornets or the Miami Heat.
Whoever emerges from the final play-in bracket will be rewarded with a demanding series against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere in the East, the third-seeded New York Knicks will meet a rejuvenated Atlanta Hawks, while the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Toronto Raptors.
Western Conference matchups take shape
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Sacramento Kings to earn the eighth spot in the West.
They will play the Phoenix Suns, with the victor advancing to face Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers overcame the Golden State Warriors.
The Californian rivals will meet again in Wednesday’s elimination game, seeking the right to challenge the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jokic eligible for MVP honours
The Denver Nuggets ended their campaign on a formidable 12-game winning streak after beating an under-strength Spurs side to secure the third seed.
Crucially, star center Nikola Jokic reached the 65-game threshold required by the league to be eligible for end-of-season awards.
The Serbian international’s availability ensures he remains a primary contender for the Most Valuable Player trophy as the postseason commences on Tuesday.
