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 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 |
