Who is NBA tanking good for? Lakers, 76ers among playoff hopefuls with easiest matchups down the stretch
CBS Sports
by
Brad Botkin
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NBA stretch run is heating up, and tanking teams are playing a significant role in shaping the playoff picture. With eight teams actively tanking to improve their lottery odds—Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, and Milwaukee Bucks—playoff hopefuls are benefiting from easier matchups against these opponents. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, and others with favorable schedules stand a better chance of securing playoff spots due to their reduced competition. However, this trend raises questions about the fairness of the draft lottery system and its impact on competitive balance.
In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers are key contenders. The Celtics, currently in third place, face only four tanking opponents, while the Knicks and Cavaliers have nine and nine respectively. This disparity could influence playoff positioning as teams with tougher schedules may struggle to maintain their spots. Similarly, in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers have more favorable matchups compared to teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, who face a similar challenge.
The trade deadline and All-Star break have passed, leaving 26-29 games for each team as they fight for playoff berths. Tanking teams not only affect their own standings but also create opportunities for playoff hopefuls to secure wins against weaker opponents. For example, the Lakers' easier schedule includes nine tanking matchups, giving them a strategic advantage over the Timberwolves, who have fewer such games.
The issue of tanking highlights the league's reliance on the draft lottery system, which incentivizes teams to lose intentionally. While some argue for changes like altering the draft structure
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/19/2026