As the NBA regular season nears its conclusion, playoff scenarios intensify with 24 teams still vying for postseason spots. The top six teams in each conference secure direct playoff berths, while the next four will compete in the play-in tournament for the final two seeds. The standings reveal the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers as clinched playoff teams, highlighting their strong seasons.

The competition remains fierce, with teams like the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers eyeing play-in spots, while several organizations face elimination, including the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz. With crucial games on the horizon, each matchup could significantly impact the playoff landscape.

The Indiana Pacers climbed back from a 16-point deficit to secure a thrilling 111-109 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with 18 points and 11 assists, including a game-winning three-pointer with just over a minute left. Aaron Nesmith shone with 24 points, while Obi Toppin contributed significantly, scoring 19 points. The Pacers solidified their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race, extending their lead over the Pistons for fourth place.

Despite trailing for much of the game, the Pacers made crucial three-pointers late in the fourth quarter to clinch the win. Haliburton's step-back three put Indiana up by two points, followed by a critical shot from Pascal Siakam. DeMar DeRozan was the standout for the Kings, netting 31 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the resilient Pacers.

Myles Turner will be sidelined for the Pacers' matchup against the Sacramento Kings due to illness, missing a chance to face former teammate Domantas Sabonis. This season, Turner is averaging 15.4 points and is second in the NBA with 1.9 blocks per game, while hitting a career-high 40.1% from three-point range. With Turner unavailable, the Pacers will rely on Thomas Bryant and Tony Bradley to step up, alongside possible contributions from Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin.

The Sacramento Kings face off against the Indiana Pacers on March 31, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Kings, with a 36-38 record, struggle on the road (17-19) facing a Pacers team (43-31) that has an impressive 8-2 home record in the last ten games. Indiana convincingly defeated Sacramento earlier in the season, winning 122-95. Both teams come off recent losses, with the Kings at 1-5 in their last six games, contrasting with the Pacers' 8-3 over their last 11. The game features odds favoring the Pacers by 5.5 points, with a total over/under set at 235 points.

Fantasy players should keep an eye on Tyrese Haliburton, whose recent performance has been inconsistent. With a recent dip in form, his streak of double-doubles ended, and he averaged 31.0 PRA against the Kings earlier this season. Bettors are advised to consider the implications of Sacramento's urgency for a play-in spot and anticipate how that might motivate Haliburton to bounce back.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle recently labeled the Oklahoma City Thunder as the 'best team on the planet right now' following their impressive win against his team. Carlisle's remarks come after a strong performance from the Thunder, a team that has quickly risen to prominence under head coach Mark Daigneault. The Thunder's adaptability was on display as they adjusted to a small-ball lineup amidst injuries, further demonstrating their offensive prowess. Carlisle praised the Thunder's numbers and record, underscoring their dominance in the current NBA landscape.

Daigneault, who has transformed from a rebuilding coach to a contender, reflected on his respect for Carlisle, highlighting his innovative approach to offense. The Thunder's recent victory over the Pacers showcased their ability to maintain momentum, and their current form suggests they are a legitimate championship contender. As the season progresses, the Thunder continue to solidify their status as a formidable force in the league.