The NBA playoffs are set to commence shortly with high stakes as teams fight for top positions. The Oklahoma City Thunder have solidified their claim to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, while the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Denver Nuggets are all in contention for the remaining top spots. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks have secured playoff berths. The playoff timeline is crucial; the play-in tournament runs from April 15-18, where teams ranked 7-10 will vie for their chance to advance, leading up to the playoffs starting on April 19.

The 2024-25 NBA playoff picture is crystallizing with just nine days left in the regular season. The Oklahoma City Thunder have locked up the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, while the Houston Rockets have secured a playoff berth and currently hold the No. 2 seed after defeating the Utah Jazz. The Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies are all closely contesting for playoff positioning, with the Lakers currently at No. 3 and the Nuggets slipping to No. 4 after a loss to the Spurs.

In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers have achieved a franchise milestone by securing their 60th win, comfortably leading the standings over the Boston Celtics. The New York Knicks are poised to claim the No. 3 seed, while the Indiana Pacers round out the top four. It's clear which teams will vie for the playoffs in the East, with the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat likely to compete in the play-in tournament.

The Boston Celtics, a storied franchise in the NBA, have seen 68 different jersey numbers worn by over 500 players since their inception in 1946. With 25 jerseys retired, the legacy of these numbers is significant, particularly for number 14, which has a unique story. Don Eliason, who played for the Celtics in their inaugural season, is one of the four players to don this jersey. Despite his brief stay, playing only one game and recording a personal foul per game, Eliason's involvement marks an essential chapter in the Celtics' history. His legacy is part of a broader narrative celebrating the players who shaped the franchise.

Cooper Flagg, projected as the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is leading Duke to the Final Four where they will face Houston. Flagg's impressive skills have drawn comparisons from NBA executives and scouts to notable players like Kawhi Leonard and Jayson Tatum, illustrating his defined role as a potential franchise player. His versatility and two-way capabilities, alongside a robust offensive game, are his standout traits.

Among the comparisons, Leonard is noted for his defensive prowess and scoring abilities, aligning with Flagg's skill set. The debate around Flagg's offensive ceiling is intriguing as scouts speculate whether he can evolve into a primary scoring option. Comparisons to Tatum reveal similarities in scoring and playmaking, suggesting Flagg's potential to contribute significantly right from his rookie season.