The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament will be a thrilling precursor to the playoffs, commencing on April 19. Teams vying for a chance at postseason glory will clash in this exciting format, where four squads from each conference compete for the last two playoff berths, intensifying the competition before the main event.
Here’s a detailed overview of the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament:
What is the NBA Play-In Tournament?
The NBA Play-In Tournament was officially adopted as a permanent feature by the Board of Governors in July 2022. For the 2024-25 season, the tournament will unfold from April 15-18, 2025, nestled between the regular season’s conclusion on April 13 and the playoff commencement on April 19.
This tournament encompasses the teams ranked seventh to tenth in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. Following six intense games, the seventh and eighth seeds will be established for the NBA Playoffs.
When is the NBA Play-In Tournament?
The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament is scheduled from Tuesday, April 15, through Friday, April 18.
2025 NBA Play-In Tournament Standings
Here’s a snapshot of the current standings in the NBA Play-In Tournament*:
Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference Bracket
- (7) Orlando Magic vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks
- (9) Miami Heat vs. (10) Chicago Bulls
Western Conference
Western Conference Bracket
- (7) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (8) Dallas Mavericks
- (9) Sacramento Kings vs. (10) Golden State Warriors
For real-time updates, fans can check the latest NBA standings.
*As of 2/20/2025
2025 NBA Play-In Tournament Schedule
Tuesday, April 15
- Play-In Game 1: East 7 seed vs. East 8 seed
- Play-In Game 2: West 7 seed vs. West 8 seed
Wednesday, April 16
- Play-In Game 3: East 9 seed vs. East 10 seed
- Play-In Game 4: West 9 seed vs. West 10 seed
Friday, April 18
- Play-In Game 5: Loser of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 3
- Play-In Game 6: Loser of Game 2 vs. Winner of Game 4
How does the NBA Play-In Tournament work?
In the initial matchups on April 15, the seventh and eighth seeds from each conference will compete. The following day, the ninth and tenth seeds will face off. The winners of the 7-8 games will secure a playoff position as the No. 7 seed. The teams that lose these matches will then compete against the winners of the 9-10 games on April 18 for the coveted No. 8 seed. The teams that lose in the 9-10 matchups will be eliminated from playoff contention.
The structure allows the seventh and eighth place teams a second chance to secure their playoff spot, adding an extra layer of excitement.
How can I watch the NBA Play-In Tournament?
Fans can catch all six games of the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament on ESPN and TNT, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the action.
When are the 2025 NBA Playoffs?
- April 15-18: NBA play-in tournament
- April 19: NBA playoffs 2025 first round begin
- May 5-6: NBA conference semifinals begin (ABC, ESPN, TNT)
- May TBD: NBA conference finals begin (ABC, ESPN, TNT)
- June 5: NBA Finals begin (ABC)
