As the NBA regular season nears its end, playoff positioning battles are intensifying in both conferences.

The Phoenix Suns gained a lead over the New Orleans Pelicans in the Western Conference as part of their playoff push.

In the Eastern Conference, the Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers are competing for the sixth spot to avoid the play-in tournament.

The 76ers have an advantage with the most favorable schedule remaining in their quest for the No. 6 seed.

Teams are finding the No. 6 seed increasingly desirable as those contending for the No. 3 seed show signs of weakness.

With one week left in the regular season, the playoff race is heating up, promising potential surprises in final seedings and play-in spots.