The NBA regular season is coming to a close, but it's not quite time for the NBA Playoffs. Eight teams, four from each conference, will compete for a place in their respective conference's post-season. Implemented in 2020, the NBA Play-In Tournament has provided some of the season's most exciting games, as the single-elimination format leaves no room for error.
Let's explain everything you need about the NBA Play-In Tournament and how it will work!
Which Teams Are Playing in the NBA Play-In Tournament?
Here's a preview of the teams expected to compete in this year's NBA Play-In. The regular season will end on April 9th, and the participating teams are subject to change.
Keep an eye on our expert odds and predictions for when the NBA Play-In Tournament begins!
Eastern Conference
- #10 Chicago Bulls vs. #9 Toronto Raptors
- #8 Atlanta Hawks vs. #7 Miami Heat
Western Conference
- #10 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #9 Minnesota Timberwolves
- #8 New Orleans Pelicans vs. #7 Los Angeles Lakers
When is the NBA Play-In Tournament?
The 2023 NBA Play-In Tournament will occur between April 11th and April 14th.
How Does the Play-In Tournament Work?
The NBA Play-In Tournament showcases six games and involves eight teams, four from each of the NBA's conferences.
The top 6 seeds in each conference qualify for guaranteed playoff positions, while the teams that finish 7th through 10th participate in the Play-In. The teams that end with the 7th and 8th highest winning percentage during the regular season will have two opportunities to qualify for the NBA Playoffs.
Let's take a look at how the games will work:
- Game 1
- The 7th seed will host the 8th seed. The winner of Game 1 will earn the 7th seed in their respective conference's playoff bracket. The losing team will compete in Game 3
- Game 2
- The 9th seed will host the 10th seed. The winner of Game 2 will move on to compete in Game 3. The loser of Game 2 will be eliminated from the Play-In Tournament and playoff contention
- Game 3
- The loser of Game 1 will host the loser of Game 2. The winner of Game 3 will be awarded the 8th seed in their respective conference's playoff bracket.
Past NBA Play-In Tournament Results
Bold denotes a team progressed to the NBA Playoffs
2022 NBA Play-In Tournament Results
- Participating teams
- Eastern Conference
- (7) Brooklyn Nets
- (8) Cleveland Cavaliers
- (9) Atlanta Hawks
- (10) Charlotte Hornets
- Western Conference
- (7) Minnesota Timberwolves
- (8) LA Clippers
- (9) New Orleans Pelicans
- (10) San Antonio Spurs
2021 NBA Play-In Tournament Results
- Participating Teams
- Eastern Conference
- (7) Boston Celtics
- (8) Washington Wizards
- (9) Indiana Pacers
- (10) Charlotte Hornets
- Western Conference
- (7) Los Angeles Lakers
- (8) Golden State Warriors
- (9) Memphis Grizzlies
- (10) San Antonio Spurs
2020 NBA Play-In Tournament Results
- Participating Teams
- Eastern Conference
- (8) Orlando Magic
- (9) Washington Wizards
- Western Conference
- (8) Portland Trail Blazers
- (9) Memphis Grizzlies
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