Heading into action on Tuesday, March 6, three teams in the East currently are in playoff position despite posting losing records. While having three teams with sub-.500 winning percentages would not set an NBA record, it hasn’t happened in 20 years. A record six teams with losing records made the playoffs in 1986. Below is a list of every team to qualify for the postseason with a losing record since the NBA adopted its current playoff format, which consists of 16 teams, eight per conference.
2006-07
Orlando Magic, 40-42, swept 4-0 in first round
2005-06
Milwaukee Bucks, 40-42, lost 4-1 in first round
2003-04
New York Knicks, 39-43, swept 4-0 in first round
Boston Celtics, 36-46, swept 4-0 in first round
1996-97
Minnesota Timberwolves, 40-42, swept 3-0
Los Angeles Clippers, 36-46, swept 3-0
1995-96
Sacramento Kings, 39-43, lost 3-1 in first round
1994-95
Boston Celtics, 35-47, lost 3-1 in first round
1992-93
Los Angeles Lakers, 39-43, lost 3-2 in first round
1991-92
Indiana Pacers, 40-42, swept 3-0 in first round
Miami Heat, 38-44, swept 3-0 in first round
1990-91
New York Knicks, 39-43, swept 3-0 in first round
1988-89
Portland Trail Blazers, 39-43, swept 3-0 in first round
1987-88
Washington Bullets, 38-44, lost 3-2 in first round
NewYork Knicks, 38-44, lost 3-1 in first round
San Antonio Spurs, 31-51, swept 3-0 in first round
1986-87
Chicago Bulls, 40-42, swept 3-0 in first round
Seattle Supersonics, 39-43, swept 4-0 in Western Conference Finals
Denver Nuggets, 37-45, swept 3-0 in first round
1985-86
Portland Trail Blazers, 40-42, lost 3-1 in first round
Washington Bullets, 39-43, lost 3-2 in first round
New Jersey Nets, 39-43, swept 3-0 in first round
Sacramento Kings, 37-45, swept 3-0 in first round
San Antonio Spurs, 35-47, swept 3-0 in first round
Chicago Bulls, 30-52, swept 3-0 in first round
1984-85
Washington Bullets, 40-42, lost 3-1 in first round
Chicago Bulls, 38-44, lost 3-1 in first round
Cleveland Cavaliers, 36-46, lost 3-1 in first round
Phoenix Suns, 36-46, swept 3-0 in first round
1983-84
Atlanta Hawks, 40-42, lost 3-2 in first round
Kansas City Kings, 38-44, swept 3-0 in first round
Denver Nuggets, 38-44, lost 3-2 in first round
Washington Bullets, 35-47, lost 3-1 in first round
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