The NBA Play-In Tournament sees the teams ranked 7th through 10th in each NBA conference go up against each other for a place in the playoffs. It has been in existence since 2020.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is divided into the the Eastern and Western Conference, with 15 teams in each. The teams ranked from 7 to 10 in the standings for each conference compete in the Play-In tournament for two playoff spots per conference.
In the first round of the Play-In Tournament, there is a one-off game between the seventh and eighth seeds from each conference, with the winner securing the seventh seed. The loser then plays the winner of the ninth vs. tenth seed matchup to determine the final eighth seed.
Why Did the NBA Introduce the Play-in Tournament?
The NBA introduced the Play-In Tournament in 2020 to increase competition and excitement toward the end of the regular season.
Its main goals were to reduce the number of teams “tanking”. Tanking involves teams deliberately approaching games with under-strength teams once they have realised they are not going to make the playoffs. This is done to secure better draft picks. By giving more teams a chance to make the playoffs, the NBA has reduced the incentives to tank.
The format also rewards teams for finishing higher in the standings, as higher-seeded teams have an easier path to secure a playoff spot. It has added extra drama for fans and incentive for teams in the closing stages of the season.
What Is the History of the NBA Play-in Tournament?
2020: The NBA implemented a play-in game in the Western Conference to decide the final playoff seed after the pandemic disrupted the regular season. The bubble environment in Orlando hosted this experimental format.
The Portland Trail Blazers (471.50) faced the Memphis Grizzlies (14.80). The Blazers won the play-in game and advanced to the playoffs as the 8th seed.
After the success of 2020, the NBA expanded the Play-In Tournament to both conferences and adopted the current format: the 7th and 8th seeds face off, with the winner securing the 7th seed, while the loser gets another chance to compete for the 8th seed against the winner of the 9th vs. 10th seed game.
2021: The Play-In Tournament was expanded to both conferences, with seeds 7-10 in each involved. Although it received criticism from the likes of LeBron James and Mark Cuban, it proved to be entertaining.
The LA Lakers (17.90) and Memphis Grizzlies advanced from the Western Conference at the expense of the Golden State Warriors (35.95) and San Antonio Spurs (150.36).
In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics (2.57) and Washington Wizards (501.01) went through to the playoffs with the Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets (461.52) sent packing.
2022: In the West, the Minnesota Timberwolves (10.95) and New Orleans Pelicans (55.76) advanced, while the LA Clippers (80.66) and San Antonio Spurs failed to make the playoffs.
The Eastern Conference saw the Brooklyn Nets (470.01) and Atlanta Hawks (148.37) advance. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers (60.74) and Charlotte Hornets were eliminated.
2023: The LA Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves advanced in the West with the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat (23.95) going through in the East. The Heat went on to win the Eastern Conference, losing the NBA Championship final to the Denver Nuggets.
The Toronto Raptors (342.90), Chicago Bulls (253.53), Sacramento Kings (25.49) and Golden State Warriors were eliminated in the Play-In Tournament.
2024: The last Play-In Tournament saw the Lakers advance yet again – this time along with the New Orleans Pelicans in the West.
The Eastern Conference also saw another familiar set of faces through to the playoffs in the Miami Heat, with the Philadelphia 76ers joining them.
When is the NBA Play-In Tournament?
The next NBA Play-In Tournament will take place from 15-18 April 2025, after the conclusion of the 2024-25 NBA regular season.
