Excitement Builds for Season Finale

The 2024-25 NBA regular season is set to conclude on Sunday, but all eyes are on an exciting matchup scheduled for Wednesday: the Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Dallas Mavericks. This game will be aired on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET, marking the significant return of Luka Dončić to Dallas following his blockbuster trade to the Lakers in February. The atmosphere at the American Airlines Center is expected to be intense.

Significant Coaching Changes in Denver

Another notable game on Wednesday features the Sacramento Kings hosting the Denver Nuggets at 10:30 p.m. ET. This contest represents the Nuggets’ first appearance since the surprising dismissal of coach Michael Malone earlier this week. With this being the second coaching change late in the season, the Nuggets, currently one of the top teams in the Western Conference and led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokić, face an uncertain trajectory moving forward.

Playoff Picture and the Fight for the Top Draft Pick

As playoff aspirations intensify, top contenders are eager to secure their postseason spots. Meanwhile, teams with lower standings, particularly the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards, are focused on the potential for the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

NBC Insiders Power Rankings: Season Summary

As the regular season comes to a close, ESPN’s NBA insiders have compiled their final power rankings, evaluating whether teams have met or fallen short of their preseason expectations. Here’s a look at the current rankings, along with some highlights from selected teams:

Top Teams

• 1. Oklahoma City Thunder: Secured the No. 1 seed in the West for the second consecutive year and could continue their success next season with a similar roster.
• 2. Cleveland Cavaliers: Achieved the second-most wins in franchise history, clinching the No. 1 seed in the East, with significant contributions from their star players.
• 3. Boston Celtics: In a strong position to defend their title, the Celtics have benefited from an injury-free roster and standout performances from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
• 4. Houston Rockets: Made their return to the playoffs after several seasons and have shown impressive improvement driven by impactful coaching and player development.
• 5. New York Knicks: Achieved a solid win total but faced challenges against top teams, raising questions about their playoff readiness.

Teams in Transition

• 12. Memphis Grizzlies: After a mid-season coaching change, the team seeks to find its footing and improve its playoff strategy.
• 18. Atlanta Hawks: Although they have shown flashes of brilliance, they have returned to a familiar position of fighting for a play-in spot.
• 29. Washington Wizards: Focused on developing young talent amidst a challenging season that may lead to high lottery odds.
• 30. Utah Jazz: Anticipates a significant draft coming up, aiming for a top pick to bolster future success.