Who still wants a spot in the NBA playoffs?
With the 2025-26 regular season now in the books after 82 games, 12 teams will earn some much-needed rest before the grind of the playoffs begin.
However, eight teams are still in the mix for the final two playoff spots in each conference.
That sets the stage for the league’s Play-In Tournament, which over the last few years has added more intrigue and drama to those seeking a playoff berth.
So, what is the tournament and what teams are competing this season? Here’s everything to know:
What is the NBA Play-In Tournament?
The Play-In Tournament helps establish the Nos. 7 and 8 seeds in each conference through a mini round-robin competition after the regular season.
It was started by commissioner Adam Silver in 2020 and has become a mainstay in the league calendar since.
How does the NBA Play-In Tournament work?
The tournament involves teams currently seeded 7-10 in each conference. Teams No. 7 and 8 will compete in one game while teams No. 9 and 10 also face off.
The winner of the No. 7 vs. No. 8 game will earn the seventh seed, while the loser must battle the winner of the No. 9 vs. No. 10 game for the eighth seed.
So, if a team ended the regular season in the No. 7 spot, losing both Play-In games would take the side out of playoff contention despite the superior record across 82 games.
When is the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament?
The 2026 edition will run from Tuesday, April 14 to Friday, April 17. The playoffs begin on Saturday, April 18.
What teams are in the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament?
Here’s a look at the teams involved and their record before the tournament:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers (45-37)
No. 8 Orlando Magic (45-37)
No. 9 Charlotte Hornets (44-38)
No. 10 Miami Heat (43-39)
WESTERN CONFERENCE
No. 7 Phoenix Suns (45-37)
No. 8 Portland Trail Blazers (42-40)
No. 9 Los Angeles Clippers (42-40)
No. 10 Golden State Warriors (37-45)
What is the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament schedule?
Here’s what to know for each game across the three days:
TUESDAY, APRIL 14:
Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers: 7:30 p.m. ET
Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns: 10 p.m. ET
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15:
Miami Heat at Charlotte Hornets: 7:30 p.m. ET
Golden State Warriors at LA Clippers: 10 p.m. ET
FRIDAY, APRIL 17:
East No. 9/10 winner at East No. 7/8 loser: 7:30 p.m. ET
West No. 9/10 winner at West No. 7/8 loser: 10 p.m. ET
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