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.

Tom Thibodeau's philosophy on player usage and toughness has been a topic of discussion since his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and it continues to influence his coaching with the New York Knicks. Having gained a reputation for prioritizing player minutes, Thibodeau's reliance on starters has led to debates among fans, especially given the Knicks' injury history in recent playoffs. Currently, players like Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges lead the league in minutes played, raising concerns about fatigue as the postseason approaches.

The Knicks have shown an unyielding commitment to their best players, but this strategy raises vital questions regarding its sustainability. Despite some players thriving under heavy minutes, the long-term implications for player health remain uncertain. Critics point out the risk of burnout as the team navigates a challenging playoff landscape. With Thibodeau reaching his milestone in wins, the effectiveness of his approach will be tested more than ever.

The Miami Heat halted the Boston Celtics' nine-game winning streak with a decisive 124-103 victory. Tyler Herro led the charge with 25 points as Miami secured their sixth consecutive win, strengthening their playoff positioning. The Celtics faltered offensively, shooting only 37.2% in the first half, allowing Miami to build a substantial lead early in the third quarter. Despite a late push led by Jaylen Brown, who scored 24 points, Boston could not close the gap, finding themselves five games behind the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers.

In other action, the Cavaliers overcame an early 15-point deficit to defeat the New York Knicks 124-105, with Donovan Mitchell scoring 27 points. The Knicks, missing Jalen Brunson due to an ankle injury, struggled to maintain their momentum. Despite leading at halftime, their offense diminished in the second half, allowing Cleveland to seize control. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers edged out the Charlotte Hornets 110-105, propelled by Tyrese Haliburton's 22-point performance. With the regular season winding down, the playoff race intensifies as teams vie for crucial positioning.