Celtics officially become third team to clinch playoff berth

The defending champion Celtics formally clinched a spot in the 2025 NBA playoffs on Friday, the league confirmed (via X). Boston is now assured of a top-six finish in the Eastern Conference.

Entering the day, the Celtics needed a win over the Heat as well as a Hawks loss to the Clippers in order to secure their playoff spot. They registered a 103-91 victory in Miami, while the Clippers rode a dominant 35-8 third quarter to a 121-98 win over Atlanta.

While Boston isn’t fully locked into the No. 2 seed in the East, it’s hard to envision the team ending up anywhere else. The No. 1 Cavaliers set a new franchise record on Friday by winning their 16th straight game and hold an 8.5-game lead over the 48-19 Celtics, who in turn have a five-game cushion on the No. 3 Knicks.

Assuming the Celtics finish at No. 2, they’ll face the winner of the No. 7 vs. No. 8 play-in game in the first round of the postseason. The Hawks and Magic currently hold those spots.

Three teams have now officially clinched playoff berths, with Boston joining Cleveland and Oklahoma City.