NBA Play-In Tournament: What You Need to Know Before Tip-Off
What is the NBA Play-In Tournament?
The NBA Play-In Tournament is a mini-tournament that determines the final two playoff spots in each conference. It was introduced in the 2021-22 season and has added an exciting layer of drama to the regular season’s finale.
How Does the NBA Play-In Tournament Work?
The format is simple:
- Teams 7 and 8 in each conference face off. The winner takes the first play-in spot, while the loser falls into a elimination game.
- The ninth and tenth seeds meet in another game. The winner of this contest faces the loser of the first game, with the winner earning the second play-in spot.
- The play-in tournament winners then face the sixth seeds in each conference in a best-of-7 series.
Key Matchups to Watch
Western Conference
The Memphis Grizzlies (7) face the Golden State Warriors (8) in a Western Conference clash that features two of the league’s brightest stars:
“This matchup favors the Warriors, as the Grizzlies have lost all eight games in California this season.” – Steve Aschburner, NBA.com
Source: NBA.com
The winner meets the Houston Rockets, while the loser faces the winner of the Sacramento Kings (9) and Dallas Mavericks (10) in an elimination game.
Eastern Conference
The Atlanta Hawks (7) take on the Orlando Magic (8) in the East. The winner meets last year’s champion, the Boston Celtics, while the loser faces the winner of the Miami Heat (9) and Chicago Bulls (10).
FAQs
- When do the play-in games start?
- Tuesday, April 16, 2023, with the Western Conference game tipping off at 3:00 AM BST, 4:00 AM CEST, followed by the Eastern Conference game at 00:30 AM BST, 1:30 AM CEST on Wednesday.
- How many games are in the play-in tournament?
- A maximum of four games per conference.
- What are the rewards for winning a play-in game?
- Earning the final playoff spot and a best-of-7 series against the sixth seed in each conference.
Did you know? The play-in tournament has seen several upsets and memorable moments, making every game a must-watch.
Predictions
Pro Tips for Watching the Play-In Tournament
- Have snacks ready – these games are intense!
- Know the rules – the format can be a bit confusing for first-timers.
- Keep an eye on the stars, but don’t forget about the role players – they often make the difference.
buckle up, basketball fans! The NBA Play-In Tournament is set to deliver another thrilling round of action. Don’t miss a beat.