Definition and Purpose of the Tournament
The NBA Play-In Tournament is a competition to determine the final two playoff spots in each conference. It involves teams ranked 7th through 10th in their respective conferences.
Those four teams battle each other to see who can earn the seventh and eighth seeds in each conference. Those guaranteed playoff spots give those squads the right to participate in a seven-game series against the conference's top teams.
This guide will give you an outline of how the NBA Play-In Tournament works.
Brief History of the Tournament's Introduction
The Play-In Tournament was first implemented in the 2020 NBA Bubble, and the NBA governors approved the current format for the 2020-21 season.
The first edition of the NBA Play-In Tournament in 2020 was a single game in each conference. The only time that play-in game format was used was when the Portland Trailblazers and Orlando Magic successfully reached the playoffs.
Since then, the schedule has been expanded to include three games. Below is an explanation of the current format.
Tournament Format
The Play-In Tournament consists of six games total, three in each conference. The format is as follows:
- Game 1: 7 seed vs. 8 seed
- Game 2: 9 seed vs. 10 seed
- Game 3: Loser of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2
Schedule and Timeline
The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament is scheduled for April 15-18, 2025, similar to the schedule of the 2024 NBA playoffs.
When do the 2025 NBA Playoffs start?
The 2025 NBA Playoffs are set to begin on April 19, 2025, immediately following the Play-In Tournament.
Key matchups and games to watch
While specific matchups are not yet determined, potential high-profile games could involve teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, or Miami Heat, who have floated in the middle of the standings in recent years.
It wouldn't be a shock to see the New Orleans Pelicans make an appearance, considering they've been in the mix in each of the last three seasons, and the Chicago Bulls have consistently been in the mix in recent seasons, too.
Sometimes conference favorites like the Philadelphia 76ers also fall into the play-in due to injuries.
Teams to Watch in the Play-In Tournament
The teams can vary significantly from season to season, but in recent years many of the same clubs have found themselves battling for the seventh and eighth seeds.
Western Conference teams
The Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and New Orleans Pelicans have been frequent participants in recent NBA Play-In Tournaments. The New Orleans Pelicans, in particular, have been mainstays, playing in each of the last three and earning a playoff spot twice.
The Los Angeles Lakers have had the most success after the NBA Play-In Tournament in the West, reaching the conference finals in 2022-23.
Eastern Conference teams
Teams like the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat have been involved in recent Eastern Conference tournaments. The Heat are the success story of that group as they reached the NBA Finals in 2022-23 after winning their play-in game against the Bulls.
Each team that escaped the 2024 Play-In Tournament failed to reach the conference semifinals, losing in the first round of the NBA playoffs. No club has won the NBA Finals after participating in play-in games.
How to Watch the NBA Play-In Tournament
TV channels and streaming options
NBA Play-In Tournament games are typically broadcast on ESPN and TNT.
Streaming options may include ESPN+ and NBA League Pass.
Live scores and updates
Live scores and updates are available on the official NBA website, app, and various sports news platforms.
Impact on NBA Playoffs
The tourney directly impacts the playoffs by determining the final two seeds in each conference. This can lead to unexpected matchups in the first round of the playoffs.
These lower-ranked teams have reached the NBA Finals and NBA Conference finals, but no franchise has appeared in play-in games on the way to a title.
Criticism and Controversy
Some players and coaches have expressed concerns about the additional games and the potential for injuries.
The most famous criticism of the new format came from LeBron James in 2021, who was blunt in his assessment when speaking to the media.
Whoever came up with that s--- needs to be fired
However, the NBA maintains that the tourney increases competitiveness and fan interest, and James has often needed the NBA Play-In Tournament to reach the playoffs in recent years.
Historical Performance
Since its introduction, the tournament has seen both higher and lower seeds advance.
For example, the Miami Heat lost their first game to the Atlanta Hawks in 2023, before recovering against the Chicago Bulls and launching a deep playoff run and topping the Eastern Conference field.
The greatest beneficiary of the NBA Play-In Tournament have been the Los Angeles Lakers, who have used it to appear in the playoffs three times since the current format came into use.
Betting Implications
The addition of three play-in games per season has created new NBA betting opportunities. Basketball sportsbooks like BetMGM and BetRivers offer various wagers on play-in games and outcomes.
Because more teams reach the postseason, the futures markets are expanded, but it's worth remembering that any team that finishes between seventh and eighth in the standings during the regular season needs to be considered a true dark horse.
Future of the Play-In Tournament
The NBA continues to evaluate the play-in's impact and effectiveness.
Future changes to the format or schedule remain possible based on league and team feedback.
The NBA has shown a willingness to tinker in recent seasons with the In-Season Tournament standing as a recent example of the league's tendency to innovate.
Media Coverage
The play-in has generated additional media coverage and analysis, extending the NBA's presence in sports news cycles.
By expanding the postseason field, the tournament also increases interest for more teams late in the regular season as a higher percentage of the NBA has hope in the latter months of any campaign.
NBA Play-In Tournament FAQ
Participating Teams
Which teams participate in the Play-In Tournament?
Teams that finish 7th through 10th in the standings of the Eastern Conference and Western Conference participate.
Advancing to the Playoffs
How many teams advance from the Play-In Tournament?
Two teams from the Eastern Conference and Western Conference advance to the playoffs as the seventh and eighth seeds.
Scheduling
When is the NBA Play-In Tournament?
The 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament was scheduled for April 16-19, 2024 just before the 2024 NBA Playoffs and the 2025 schedule looks similar as it is set to take place between April 15 and April 18.
Seeding
How does seeding work in the Play-In Tournament?
Teams are seeded based on their records during the season, with the 7 seed and 8 seed having an advantage.
Single Elimination
Can a team be eliminated after one game in the Play-In Tournament?
Yes, the 9 and 10 seeds can be eliminated after one loss, while the 7 seed and 8 seed have two chances to advance.
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