Thunder clinch first 2026 playoff berth after ninth straight win

Oklahoma City has officially become the first team to book a place in the 2026 NBA playoffs, sealing qualification after their victory in Orlando, the ninth win of an impressive ongoing streak. While several franchises already know they are guaranteed at least a play‑in berth by March 17, none had mathematically secured a postseason ticket until the Thunder’s latest triumph. In the East, Detroit, Boston and New York are safely in the play‑in zone, while in the West, San Antonio, the Lakers, Houston, Denver, Minnesota and Phoenix remain positioned but still need additional wins to lock down a top‑six finish and avoid the preliminary round.

Head coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s achievement, stressing that “playing in the playoffs is a privilege that must be earned.” Meanwhile, the list of teams eliminated from contention is growing, with Brooklyn, Washington, Indiana and Sacramento already set for an early offseason.