NBA play-in bracket, format, rules in 2024: How the tournament works before the playoffs
We explain the NBA play-in format of the tournament here.
The NBA play-in tournament is here once again, so it’s time for some madness as the teams in it jockey to make it to the postseason. And before you can say, “Uh, aren’t they going to be the No. 7 and 8 seeds and get trounced by Nos. 1 and 2?” let me remind you that the Miami Heat made it and went to the Finals last year.
So, if you’re wondering how it all works because it’s a little confusing, fear not. We’re here to help you with a step-by-step process of how this all works
1. Let’s start with the Nos. 7 and 8 seed games: The winner of that game will be the official No. 7 seed in the playoffs. The loser will continue in the tournament. We’ll get to that in a sec.
2. Next, we get to the 9 vs. 10 games: The loser of those games will be eliminated and put into the NBA lottery.
The winner of that game moves on in the tournament and …
3. The winner of the 9 and 10 game will play the loser of the 7 and 8 game. The winner of that game will be the official No. 8 seed in the conference. Got it?
Here’s the bracket to help you visualize it.
BREAKING: The 2024 NBA Play-In bracket is set!
WHO YOU GOT? pic.twitter.com/YXOPUB9wOm
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) April 14, 2024