How Many NBA Regular Season Games Are Left and What to Expect Next

As I sit here scrolling through the latest NBA standings, I can’t help but feel that familiar late-season buzz. We’re deep into the grind now—the part of the year where every possession feels magnified, every win or loss carrying playoff implications. If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering: just how many NBA regular season games are left and what should we expect as we sprint toward the postseason? Well, I’ve crunched the numbers and watched enough late-night West Coast games to have a pretty good read on the situation. Let’s break it down.

Right now, depending on the team, most franchises have somewhere between 12 and 18 games remaining. That’s roughly 20 to 25 percent of the season still to play—a small but critical chunk of basketball that will decide who gets home-court advantage, who scrapes into the play-in tournament, and who starts planning an early vacation. I’ve always loved this part of the calendar. The urgency shifts. Teams that were coasting suddenly find another gear, while others, plagued by injuries or fatigue, begin to fade. Take the Denver Nuggets, for example. They’re sitting near the top of the Western Conference, but with about 15 games left, they can’t afford to relax—not with the Timberwolves and Thunder breathing down their necks.

But it’s not just about the stars. One thing I’ve noticed over the years is how the best teams distribute the load, especially down the stretch. It reminds me of a point made about a different team, the Soaring Falcons, where despite a standout performance from Torres, it wasn’t just a one-man show. Coach Racela highlighted how well his squad shared the scoring responsibilities. That philosophy applies perfectly to the NBA at this stage. Look at the Boston Celtics. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown get the headlines, but it’s the contributions from guys like Derrick White and Al Horford that often swing close games. Teams that rely too heavily on one player—no matter how talented—tend to wear down. The Mavericks’ Luka Dončić is phenomenal, but if his supporting cast doesn’t step up, they could struggle in a tight Western Conference race where every game matters.

Speaking of the Western Conference, wow—what a mess, in the best possible way. As of today, only four or five games separate the 4th seed from the 10th. That’s nothing with 15-plus games left. I expect a lot of movement in the standings, especially with key matchups coming up. The Suns, for instance, have a tough schedule ahead, facing the Celtics, Cavaliers, and Timberwolves in a brutal seven-day stretch. How they navigate that could define their season. On the other hand, the Lakers have a slightly easier path, but with LeBron James managing his minutes and Anthony Davis always a health question mark, nothing is guaranteed. Personally, I’m keeping a close eye on the Clippers. When they’re healthy, they have the depth and star power to beat anyone, but they’ve been inconsistent lately. If they can get on a roll, they could secure a top-four spot and avoid the play-in chaos.

Over in the East, the race feels a bit more settled at the top, but the battle for the 6th seed and avoiding the play-in is fierce. The Pacers and Heat are neck-and-neck, and I give the edge to Miami because of their playoff experience. They know how to turn it on when it matters. But let’s not forget about the Knicks. Since losing Julius Randle to injury, they’ve had to rely on Jalen Brunson carrying the offense, and while he’s been spectacular, I worry if that’s sustainable. Remember what Racela said about the Soaring Falcons? It wasn’t just a one-man show, and the same holds true here. If the Knicks can get others like Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart to consistently contribute, they could surprise people. Otherwise, they might slip in the standings.

As for individual performances, this is when MVP candidates separate themselves. Nikola Jokić is putting up ridiculous numbers—something like 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists per game—and he’s doing it efficiently. But Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Oklahoma City has been just as impressive, leading a young team nobody expected to be this good. My dark horse? Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks have had coaching drama, but Giannis is a force of nature, and if they can tighten up their defense, they’re a scary playoff opponent.

So, what’s next? In terms of how many NBA regular season games are left, we’re looking at roughly 200 league-wide before the playoffs begin in mid-April. That means plenty of drama, surprise upsets, and breakout performances. I’m excited to see how rookies like Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama handle the pressure—they’ve already shown flashes of brilliance, but the final stretch will test their endurance. From a fan’s perspective, this is where you see which teams have built a true culture of teamwork. It’s not just about having a superstar; it’s about having a roster where everyone knows their role and executes when it counts. The reference to the Soaring Falcons and their balanced scoring is a perfect analogy—success in the NBA often comes down to that collective effort.

In my view, the Celtics and Nuggets are the teams to beat, but don’t sleep on the Thunder. They’re young, hungry, and play with a chemistry that’s rare. Whatever happens, I’ll be glued to the screen, probably losing sleep over those 10:30 PM tip-offs. The final stretch of the NBA season is always a rollercoaster, and this year is no different. Buckle up—it’s going to be a fun ride.