What does PER mean in basketball stats?

PER (Player Efficiency Rating) is a per-minute rating that summarizes a player's statistical accomplishments. The league average is always 15.0, with elite players typically scoring above 25.

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The NBA scoring leader changes throughout the season. Check our stats page for the most current points per game leaders.

How does the NBA playoff seeding work?

The top 6 teams in each conference qualify directly for the playoffs, while seeds 7-10 compete in a play-in tournament to determine the final two playoff spots per conference.

NBA Playoff Race Heats Up: March 2026 Standings and Key Matchups |...

NBA Playoff Race Heats Up: March 2026 Standings and Key Matchups

As the calendar flipped from March to April, the NBA playoff picture solidified for some, while for others, the next two weeks will be a white-knuckle sprint to the finish line. The standings, particularly in the Western Conference, are a testament to the league’s parity and the relentless grind of an 82-game season. Let’s break down where things stand, spotlighting the teams making their final pushes and the matchups that defined March.

Western Conference: A Veritable Minefield

The top of the West remains a familiar sight, but the battle for home-court advantage, and even just a guaranteed playoff spot, is as intense as we’ve seen in years.

1. Denver Nuggets (55-23): The defending champions are, once again, the team to beat. Nikola Jokic’s MVP campaign continues, averaging 26.8 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.8 assists in March. Jamal Murray’s improved efficiency (48% FG, 41% 3PT) has been crucial, especially in clutch moments. Their March schedule, featuring wins over the Celtics and Clippers, showcased their championship pedigree.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (53-25): Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an otherworldly level, leading the league in scoring at 32.1 PPG. The Thunder’s youth and athleticism are undeniable, but their reliance on SGA can be a double-edged sword. Chet Holmgren’s defensive impact (2.5 BPG) makes them a legitimate threat. Their 10-4 March record, despite a late-month stumble against the Lakers, keeps them firmly in the hunt for the top seed.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves (52-26): Anthony Edwards is blossoming into a true superstar, and the Wolves’ defense, anchored by Rudy Gobert, is suffocating. They’ve managed to stay healthy, a critical factor given their depth. Karl-Anthony Towns’ return from a mid-season injury has added another dimension to their offense. A crucial March victory over the Thunder at home proved their mettle.
4. Los Angeles Clippers (49-29): The Clippers have been a model of consistency since the All-Star break. Kawhi Leonard (24.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG) is healthy and locked in, and Paul George has embraced a secondary playmaking role. Their veteran savvy and depth make them dangerous, but their propensity for late-game collapses against top-tier opponents remains a slight concern.

The real drama begins just outside the top four:

5. Phoenix Suns (47-31): The Suns have finally found their rhythm, winning 7 of their last 10 in March. Kevin Durant’s efficient scoring (28.9 PPG on 52% shooting) and Devin Booker’s clutch heroics have been vital. Bradley Beal’s integration has been a work in progress, but he’s showing flashes. Their upcoming schedule, including two games against the Lakers, will define their seeding.
6. Dallas Mavericks (46-32): Luka Doncic is Luka Doncic, putting up ridiculous numbers (34.2 PPG, 9.1 APG, 8.8 RPG). Kyrie Irving’s scoring bursts are essential, but the Mavericks' defense remains a significant question mark. Their March schedule was feast or famine, highlighted by a dominant win over the Warriors but also a puzzling loss to the Spurs.

The Play-In Tournament spots are where the true chaos resides:

7. Los Angeles Lakers (44-34): LeBron James, at 41, is still defying Father Time, averaging 26.5 PPG and 8.0 APG in March. Anthony Davis’s two-way dominance (2.8 BPG in March) is what truly fuels this team. They had a strong March, going 9-5, but their consistency against elite teams remains a concern. Their upcoming game against the Suns could very well decide who avoids the 7/8 play-in game.
8. Sacramento Kings (44-34): De’Aaron Fox’s speed and clutch scoring are undeniable. Domantas Sabonis continues to be a double-double machine. However, the Kings have struggled with defensive consistency and bench production. Their March ended on a sour note, losing three of their last four, dropping them into the 8th spot.
9. Golden State Warriors (43-35): Stephen Curry is still capable of igniting an arena, but the supporting cast has been inconsistent. Jonathan Kuminga’s development has been a bright spot, but Draymond Green’s availability and impact have been sporadic. Their March saw them go 8-6, with some impressive wins mixed with head-scratching losses.
10. New Orleans Pelicans (42-36): Zion Williamson has been healthy and dominant, averaging 28.1 PPG on 60% shooting in March. Brandon Ingram's scoring punch is there, but the Pelicans' depth has been tested by injuries. They desperately need to string together some wins in April to secure their play-in spot.

Tactical Note: The battle for the 5th and 6th seeds is paramount. Avoiding the play-in tournament entirely is a massive advantage, allowing teams to rest and prepare. The Lakers and Kings, currently tied, are in a virtual sprint to hold onto those spots. The Warriors, despite their recent struggles, still possess the championship pedigree to make a run from the play-in.

Eastern Conference: A More Defined Hierarchy, But Still Intrigue

The East, while having clearer separation at the top, still presents fascinating storylines, particularly for home-court advantage.

1. Boston Celtics (60-18): The Celtics are a juggernaut. Jayson Tatum (30.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG) and Jaylen Brown (24.8 PPG) are operating at peak efficiency, and their defensive versatility is unmatched. Their 12-2 March record, including a dominant win over the Bucks, showcased their readiness for the postseason.
2. Milwaukee Bucks (55-23): Giannis Antetokounmpo is having another MVP-caliber season, and Damian Lillard has found his stride, averaging 27.2 PPG and 7.5 APG in March. The Bucks' offense is potent, but their defense, while improved, isn't quite at the Celtics' level.
3. Philadelphia 76ers (52-26): Joel Embiid’s return from injury in mid-March has been a game-changer. He immediately reasserted himself, averaging 33.5 PPG and 11.8 RPG in his six games back. Tyrese Maxey’s continued growth as a scorer and playmaker has been crucial. Their late-season surge makes them a dangerous dark horse.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (48-30): Donovan Mitchell’s scoring and Darius Garland’s playmaking lead a strong Cavaliers squad. Their size and defensive prowess in the frontcourt with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley make them tough to score against. Their March was solid, going 9-5, but they need to prove they can beat the top-tier teams consistently.

The middle of the East is a tight race for home-court and play-in spots:

5. Orlando Magic (46-32): The Magic are one of the league’s most surprising teams. Paolo Banchero has taken a significant leap (25.0 PPG, 7.2 RPG in March), and Franz Wagner’s all-around game is excellent. Their defense is suffocating, and they are legitimate contenders for a top-four spot. Their 11-3 March was incredibly impressive.
6. New York Knicks (45-33): Jalen Brunson continues to be a warrior, carrying the scoring load (31.2 PPG in March). The Knicks' grit and defensive intensity are their hallmarks, but injuries to key players like Julius Randle have tested their depth. They need to close strong to avoid the play-in.

The Play-In Tournament in the East:

7. Miami Heat (43-35): Jimmy Butler’s clutch factor and Bam Adebayo’s defensive versatility keep the Heat in every game. Their March was inconsistent, going 7-7, but you can never count out Erik Spoelstra’s squad in the postseason.
8. Indiana Pacers (42-36): Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking and scoring unlock a dynamic Pacers offense. They are a high-octane team but struggle defensively. Their March record of 6-8 shows their inconsistency.
9. Chicago Bulls (39-39): DeMar DeRozan’s mid-range mastery is still effective, but the Bulls lack consistent three-point shooting and defensive anchors. They went 8-6 in March, keeping their play-in hopes alive.
10. Atlanta Hawks (38-40): Trae Young’s scoring and passing are undeniable, but the Hawks' defense is porous. They had a tough March, going 5-9, and are clinging to the final play-in spot by a thread.

Key March Matchups & Takeaways:

Celtics vs. Bucks (March 20th): Boston’s dominant 128-106 victory was a statement. Tatum and Brown combined for 63 points, and the Celtics’ defense held Giannis to 26 points on 10-for-24 shooting. It solidified Boston’s grip on the East’s top seed.

Thunder vs. Timberwolves (March 24th): Minnesota’s 109-105 win was a defensive masterclass. Anthony Edwards poured in 34, but it was the Wolves’ ability to limit SGA to 22 points on 7-for-19 shooting that truly stood out. This win gave Minnesota a crucial tie-breaker advantage.

Lakers vs. Thunder (March 26th): In a thrilling 126-121 overtime win, LeBron James scored 38 points, reminding everyone that he’s still capable of taking over. Anthony Davis added 29 points and 15 rebounds. This win was vital for the Lakers’ play-in positioning.

76ers vs. Heat (March 29th): Embiid’s 40-point, 13-rebound performance in a 115-109 victory was a clear message that the 76ers are not to be underestimated. His presence elevates Philadelphia into true contender status.

As we head into the final two weeks of the regular season, every possession, every rebound, and every clutch shot will matter. The playoff races, particularly in the West, promise a thrilling conclusion. Buckle up, basketball fans, the best is yet to come.