What Is the NBA Play-In Tournament?
The NBA Play-In Tournament is a postseason event that determines the final two playoff spots in each conference. Introduced permanently in 2021, the format was designed to increase competition and reduce tanking by giving more teams a chance to qualify for the playoffs.
The tournament involves teams ranked 7th through 10th in the Eastern and Western Conferences at the end of the regular season. The winners claim the final 7th and 8th seeds in each conference, advancing to the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
How Does the Play-In Tournament Work?
The NBA Play-In Tournament follows a four-game, double-chance format:
- Game 1: The 7th seed hosts the 8th seed – the winner earns the 7th seed in the playoffs.
- Game 2: The 9th seed hosts the 10th seed – the loser is eliminated.
- Game 3: The loser of Game 1 faces the winner of Game 2 – the winner earns the 8th seed, and the loser is eliminated.
Once the Play-In Tournament is complete, the NBA Playoffs begin with the traditional best-of-seven series format.
Key Rules and Criteria for the Play-In Tournament
Here are the most important rules governing the Play-In Tournament:
- Eligibility: Only teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference qualify.
- Tie-Breakers: Standard NBA tiebreaker rules apply if teams have identical records (e.g., head-to-head record, conference record, division standings).
- No Reseeding: The winners of the Play-In games directly slot into the 7th and 8th seeds without any reseeding.
- Home Court Advantage: Higher seeds host each Play-In game.
Where to Watch the NBA Play-In Tournament
The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament will be broadcast on major networks and streaming services:
- TV Broadcast: ESPN, TNT, and ABC
- Streaming Options:
- ESPN App (with cable login)
- TNT App (with a TV provider)
- NBA League Pass (international viewers)
- Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Sling TV (subscription required)
Games will also be available via regional sports networks depending on the teams involved.
Why Is the Play-In Tournament Important?
The Play-In Tournament has added excitement to the NBA’s regular season by keeping more teams in playoff contention. It has also:
- Increased Competitive Balance: Mid-tier teams now fight harder for higher seeds to avoid elimination risks.
- Reduced Tanking: More teams compete for a playoff berth rather than intentionally losing for better draft picks.
- Created Thrilling Matchups: One-game, win-or-go-home scenarios have led to some unforgettable moments.
Memorable Play-In Tournament Moments
Since its introduction, the Play-In Tournament has produced intense and high-stakes games:
- LeBron James’ Deep Three-Pointer (2021): LeBron hit a clutch three-pointer over Steph Curry to secure the Lakers’ 7th seed.
- Ja Morant’s Emergence (2021): The young Grizzlies star led Memphis past the Warriors in a dramatic OT thriller.
- Timberwolves’ Emotional Celebration (2022): Patrick Beverley and the Wolves celebrated wildly after beating the Clippers to clinch a playoff spot.
2025 Play-In Tournament Schedule
The NBA Play-In Tournament is set to begin on April 15, 2025, and will conclude on April 18, 2025, just before the NBA Playoffs start on April 20.
- Eligibility: Only teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference qualify.
- Tie-Breakers: Standard NBA tiebreaker rules apply if teams have identical records (e.g., head-to-head record, conference record, division standings).
- No Reseeding: The winners of the Play-In games directly slot into the 7th and 8th seeds without any reseeding.
- Home Court Advantage: Higher seeds host each Play-In game.
Where to Watch the NBA Play-In Tournament
The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament will be broadcast on major networks and streaming services:
- TV Broadcast: ESPN, TNT, and ABC
- Streaming Options:
- ESPN App (with cable login)
- TNT App (with a TV provider)
- NBA League Pass (international viewers)
- Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, Sling TV (subscription required)
Games will also be available via regional sports networks depending on the teams involved.
Why Is the Play-In Tournament Important?
The Play-In Tournament has added excitement to the NBA’s regular season by keeping more teams in playoff contention. It has also:
- Increased Competitive Balance: Mid-tier teams now fight harder for higher seeds to avoid elimination risks.
- Reduced Tanking: More teams compete for a playoff berth rather than intentionally losing for better draft picks.
- Created Thrilling Matchups: One-game, win-or-go-home scenarios have led to some unforgettable moments.
Memorable Play-In Tournament Moments
Since its introduction, the Play-In Tournament has produced intense and high-stakes games:
- LeBron James' Deep Three-Pointer (2021): LeBron hit a clutch three-pointer over Steph Curry to secure the Lakers' 7th seed.
- Ja Morant’s Emergence (2021): The young Grizzlies star led Memphis past the Warriors in a dramatic OT thriller.
- Timberwolves’ Emotional Celebration (2022): Patrick Beverley and the Wolves celebrated wildly after beating the Clippers to clinch a playoff spot.
2025 Play-In Tournament Schedule
The NBA Play-In Tournament is set to begin on April 15, 2025, and will conclude on April 18, 2025, just before the NBA Playoffs start on April 20.
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