All four NBA teams from California have qualified for playoff basketball, a rare feat and a reason for basketball fans across the state to check the upcoming schedule. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Sacramento, there’s a hometown storyline to follow.
This NBA Playoff Guide breaks down where each team stands, who they face, and what lies ahead on the road to the Finals.
Los Angeles Lakers (3rd Seed): The Luka Era Begins
The Lakers secured the No. 3 seed and face the Minnesota Timberwolves (6) in the first round. With Luka Dončić making his playoff debut in purple and gold and LeBron James still in top form, expectations are sky-high.
If the Lakers win, they’ll face the winner of (2) Houston Rockets vs. (7), who could end up being the Golden State Warriors, meaning a potential California showdown with the Warriors in the second round. From there, they’d be one step away from the Western Conference Finals.
LA Clippers (5th Seed): A Defensive Force Ready for Revenge
The Clippers face the Denver Nuggets (4) in one of the most tightly matched first-round series. Kawhi Leonard is healthy, the defense is elite, and this team is peaking at the right time.
Should they advance, the Clippers would meet the winner of (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. the 8th seed. If the bracket holds, it could set up a battle against the top-seeded Thunder in the second round, a serious test for The Wall’s postseason hopes.
Golden State Warriors (7th Seed): Fighting Through the Play-In
After a narrow loss to the Clippers on the final day, the Warriors must go through the Play-In Tournament. They face the Memphis Grizzlies (8) in a one-game playoff. Win that, and they lock up the 7th seed and face the Houston Rockets (2) in the first round.
Lose, and they’ll have one more chance. A do-or-die matchup against the winner of (9) Kings vs. (10) Mavericks. The path isn’t easy, but a healthy Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and playoff experience give Golden State a chance to make noise.
The Kings’ schedule to get into the NBA Playoffs
The Kings enter the Play-In needing two wins to reach the playoffs. First, they take on the Dallas Mavericks (10) at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Win that, and they’ll play either the Warriors or Grizzlies for the final spot in the bracket.
If the Kings pull it off, they’ll grab the 8th seed and face the top-seeded Thunder (1) in the first round. It’s a tough road, but Zach Lavine and Domantas Sabonis have led this team through upsets before.
NBA Playoff Schedule in California
This postseason, California basketball is at the center of the NBA universe. From Hollywood stars courtside at Crypto.com Arena to the energy of the Chase Center and the beam in Sacramento lighting up the sky, the stories are everywhere.
This NBA Playoff Guide is just the beginning of what could be a historic spring.