NBA postseason matchups: Lakers to face Suns; Heat-Bucks, Clippers-Mavericks rematches on deck

The 2020-21 NBA regular season, shortened to 72 games, is in the books, as is the play-in tournament, which completed on Friday night. Up next: the first round of the playoffs, beginning on Saturday, May 22. 

Below is what the playoff picture looks like heading into the postseason. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(Playoff teams)

• First-round matchup: vs. Memphis Grizzlies

5. Dallas Mavericks

• First-round matchup: vs. Los Angeles Clippers

6. Portland Trail Blazers

• First-round matchup: vs. Denver Nuggets

7. Los Angeles Lakers

• First-round matchup: vs. Phoenix Suns

8. Memphis Grizzlies

• First-round matchup: vs. Utah Jazz

(Play-in losers)

9. Golden State Warriors

• Second play-in matchup: Lost to Memphis Grizzlies, eliminated

• First play-in matchup: Lost to Memphis Grizzlies, eliminated

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(Playoff teams)

• First-round matchup: vs. Washington Wizards

5. Atlanta Hawks

• First-round matchup: vs. New York Knicks

6. Miami Heat

• First-round matchup: vs. Milwaukee Bucks

7. Boston Celtics

• First-round matchup: vs. Brooklyn Nets

8. Washington Wizards

• First-round matchup: vs. Philadelphia 76ers

(Play-in losers)

9. Indiana Pacers

• Second play-in matchup: Lost to Washington Wizards, eliminated

• First play-in matchup: Lost to Indiana Pacers, eliminated