The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Phoenix Suns Saturday night and punched their ticket to the Western Conference playoffs. They also punched the Suns out of the playoffs for now, and Phoenix must not only win their remaining games but also need a little extra help from Dallas or the Lakers.
NBA playoff standings 2014: Suns, Grizzlies hold on to playoff hopes
The East has eight teams ready for the playoffs, while the final seed in the West is still up for grabs
Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
It was a big night for Dallas as they prepare to return to the playoffs following a one-year hiatus. The Mavericks went 7-3 over their final 10 games to earn their way back to the postseason.
NBA Playoffs
Now, five games will decide the fate of the No. 8 seed.
Sunday, April 13
Grizzlies vs Lakers - NBA TV; 9:30 p.m. ET
Monday, April 14
Grizzlies vs Suns - League Pass; 10 p.m. ET
Wednesday, April 16
Mavericks vs Grizzlies - ESPN; 8 p.m. ET
Suns vs Kings - League Pass; 10:30 p.m. ET
| Western | Wins | Losses | PCT | Games Behind |
| 1. San Antonio | 62 | 18 | .775 | - |
| 2. Oklahoma City | 58 | 21 | .734 | 3.5 |
| 3. LA Clippers | 56 | 24 | .700 | 6 |
| 4. Houston | 53 | 27 | .663 | 9 |
| 5. Portland | 52 | 28 | .650 | 10 |
| 6. Golden State | 49 | 30 | .620 | 12.5 |
| 7. Dallas Mavericks | 49 | 32 | .605 | 13.5 |
| 8. Memphis Grizzlies | 47 | 32 | .595 | 14.5 |
| 9. Phoenix Suns | 47 | 32 | .595 | 14.5 |
Eastern Conference
The New York Knicks had their playoff hopes put to sleep by the Atlanta Hawks, and the Eastern Conference has their eight playoff teams lined up. The Hawks victory over Miami locked in the team for playoff action, extending their postseason streak to seven seasons. That's the longest active streak in the Eastern Conference.
Sunday Schedule
The Heat lost control of their playoff destiny and No. 1 seed in the loss. The Pacers are back at the top and can earn home court advantage if they win out to close the season. The top seed has not been decided, but if it ended today, Indiana would lay claim to the crown out East. Here are the remaining games for Indiana and Miami.
Goodnight Sweet Knicks
Goodnight Sweet Knicks
Sunday, April 13
Pacers vs. Thunder - ABC; 1 p.m. ET
Monday, April 14
Heat vs. Wizards - League Pass; 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, April 16
Pacers vs. Magic - League Pass; 7 p.m. ET
76ers vs. Heat - League Pass; 8 p.m. ET
| Eastern | Wins | Losses | PCT | Games Behind |
| 1. Indiana | 54 | 26 | .675 | - |
| 2. Miami | 54 | 26 | .675 | - |
| 3. Chicago | 47 | 32 | .595 | 6.5 |
| 4. Toronto | 46 | 33 | .582 | 7.5 |
| 5. Brooklyn | 43 | 36 | .544 | 10.5 |
| 6. Washington | 42 | 38 | .525 | 12 |
| 7. Charlotte | 41 | 39 | .513 | 13 |
| 8. Atlanta | 37 | 43 | .463 | 17 |
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