Lebron James, Luca Donsik and Mark Cuban may have criticized it, but it is hard to argue that the NBA play-in tournament has not served its intended purpose.
In addition to the tournament, the final phase of the regular season brings a new level of intrigue and drama and teams are encouraged to compete instead of tanks in hopes of landing a better draft pick. While the play-in format is straightforward, it may confuse many NBA fans at first because it is a new concept for the league. Don’t worry – we are here to help.
NBA standings: Seeding scenario, breakdown for playoff spots
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from the tournament, including a bracket and schedule for play-in games.
NBA play-in format, explained
- The play-in tournament will be held after the conclusion of the 2020-21 regular season and before the start of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Teams that finish No. 1-6 in each conference standings will be guaranteed a playoff spot. Teams will enter the number 7-10 play-in tournament.
- The 7 and 8 teams from each conference will face off, with the winner earning the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. The loser will have another chance to reach the playoffs.
- Number of each conference Teams 4 and 10 will face off, with the winner going on to play the number 6-versus-number loser. 8 games. No. 9-vs.-No. Loser. 10 games will be eliminated from the playoff race.
- No. 7-vs.-No. Loser. Winner of 8 games and number 9-vs-no. 10 games will then play against each other. The winner of that game will be seeded No. 8 in the playoffs. The loser will be eliminated from the playoff race.
- Beyond the play-in tournament, the 2021 NBA playoffs will follow a specific format, with the best seven series all the way through the NBA Finals.
NBA playoff bracket 2021
NBA play-in tournament schedule
May 14
| Game (play-in) | Time (ET) | National tv |
| East Number 10 vs East Number 9 | TBD | TNT |
| Former No. 8 vs. No. 7 Celtics | TBD | TNT |
May 19
| Game (play-in) | Time (ET) | National tv |
| No. 10 Spurs vs. West No. 9 | TBD | ESPN |
| West No. 8 vs West No. 7 | TBD | ESPN |
May 20
| Game (play-in) | Time (ET) | National tv |
| Game 1 Winner vs Game 2 Loser | TBD | TNT |
21 May
| Game (play-in) | Time (ET) | National tv |
| Game 3 winner vs game 4 loser | TBD | ESPN |
When do NBA playoffs begin?
- Play-in Tournament: May 18-21
- NBA Playoff: 22 May
The 2021 NBA play-in tournament will begin on Tuesday, May 18. The first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs will begin four days later on Saturday May 22.
July 22 is the latest possible date for the NBA Finals game.
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