NBA Play-In Tournament, explained: Format, matchups, seeds, schedule ahead of 2023 NBA Playoffs

Jordan Greer

NBA Play-In Tournament, explained: Format, matchups, seeds, schedule ahead of 2023 NBA Playoffs image

The NBA just completed a wild regular season, but as the old saying goes, basketball never stops. Now, fans will shift their attention to the Play-In Tournament.

As it has in previous years, the tournament will determine which teams earn the last two remaining playoff berths in each conference. The relatively new postseason setup should once again deliver exciting contests as players attempt to avoid early exits.

Here's a breakdown of what to expect from the 2023 Play-In Tournament, including a bracket and schedule for upcoming games.

MORE: The best highlights from the final day of the regular season

How does the NBA Play-In Tournament work?

  • The NBA Play-In Tournament will be held after the conclusion of the 2022-23 regular season and before the start of the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. The teams that finish Nos. 1-6 in the standings of each conference will be guaranteed playoff spots. Teams Nos. 7-10 will enter the Play-In Tournament.
  • Each conference's Nos. 7 and 8 teams will face off, with the winner earning the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. The loser will still have one more opportunity to reach the playoffs.
  • Each conference's Nos. 9 and 10 teams will face off, with the winner advancing to play the loser of the No. 7-vs.-No. 8 game. The loser of the No. 9-vs.-No. 10 game will be eliminated from playoff contention.
  • The loser of the No. 7-vs.-No. 8 game and the winner of the No. 9-vs.-No. 10 game will then play against each other. The winner of that game will be the No. 8 seed in the playoffs. The loser will be eliminated from playoff contention.
  • Beyond the Play-In Tournament, the 2023 NBA Playoffs will follow the typical format, with full best-of-seven series all the way through the NBA Finals.

When does the NBA Play-In Tournament start?

  • Play-In Tournament: April 11-14
  • NBA Playoffs: April 15

The 2023 NBA Play-In Tournament will begin on Tuesday, April 11. The first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs will start four days later on Saturday, April 15.

NBA Play-In Tournament bracket 2023

NBA Playoff bracket 2023
(NBA.com)

NBA Play-In Tournament matchups 2023

Eastern Conference

(7) Heat vs. (8) Hawks

(9) Raptors vs. (10) Bulls

Western Conference

(7) Lakers vs. (8) Timberwolves

(9) Pelicans vs. (10) Thunder

NBA Play-In Tournament schedule

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April 11

Game
Hawks 116, Heat 105
Lakers 108, Timberwolves 102 (OT)

April 12

Game
Bulls 109, Raptors 105
Thunder 123, Pelicans 118

April 14

Game
Heat 102, Bulls 91
Timberwolves 120, Thunder 95

Jordan Greer

Jordan Greer Photo

Jordan Greer has been with The Sporting News since 2015. He previously worked for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He is a graduate of Westminster College and Syracuse University.