2026 NBA Play-In Tournament
April 14–18, 2026 · Seeds 7–10 compete for the final two playoff spots in each conference
The 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament runs April 14–18, 2026. Seeds 7–10 in the Eastern and Western Conferences each play three single-elimination games (not best-of-7 series) to determine the #7 and #8 seeds that complete the main playoff bracket. The First Round of the NBA Playoffs begins April 18.
Eastern Conference Play-In
EAST
Western Conference Play-In
WEST
How the Play-In Works: Step by Step
Which Seeds Make the Play-In vs. Playoffs?
2026 NBA Play-In Tournament FAQ
When is the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament?
The 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament runs from Tuesday, April 14 through Friday, April 18, 2026. The first two games are April 14 (West 7v8) and April 15 (East 7v8 and both 9v10 games), with the final loser-bracket games on April 18.
What teams are in the 2026 NBA Play-In?
Eastern Conference: (7) Philadelphia 76ers, (8) Orlando Magic, (9) Charlotte Hornets, (10) Miami Heat. Western Conference: (7) Phoenix Suns, (8) Portland Trail Blazers, (9) LA Clippers, (10) Golden State Warriors.
How does the NBA Play-In Tournament work?
Each conference runs its own Play-In bracket. Game 1: the 7 seed hosts the 8 seed — winner gets the #7 playoff spot. Game 2: the 9 seed hosts the 10 seed — loser is eliminated. Game 3 (do-or-die): the Game 1 loser hosts the Game 2 winner — winner gets the #8 playoff spot, loser is done.
Who wins the Play-In Tournament?
The Play-In Tournament does not have an overall winner. Instead, it produces two playoff seeds — a #7 seed (winner of 7v8) and a #8 seed (winner of the do-or-die Game 3) — for each conference. Those four teams then enter the main NBA Playoffs bracket.
Does home court matter in the Play-In?
Yes. In Play-In games, the higher seed hosts (home court advantage). In Game 1 (7v8), the 7 seed is at home. In Game 2 (9v10), the 9 seed is at home. In Game 3, the Game 1 loser (the higher seed between the 7 or 8) hosts.
What channel is the NBA Play-In on in 2026?
The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament games air across ABC, ESPN, TNT, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video as part of the NBA's new broadcast deal. Streaming is available on the ESPN app, Peacock, and Max.
Can a 10 seed make the playoffs from the Play-In?
Yes. The 10 seed must win two consecutive games to advance. First they must beat the 9 seed in Game 2, then beat the 7 or 8 seed loser in Game 3 to claim the #8 playoff seed.
What happens after the Play-In Tournament?
The Play-In Tournament seeds 7 and 8 for each conference join the main NBA Playoffs bracket, which begins April 18, 2026. The #1 seed plays the #8 seed, #2 plays #7, and so on in the First Round.
When was the NBA Play-In Tournament created?
The NBA Play-In Tournament debuted in the 2019-20 bubble season and became a permanent fixture starting in 2020-21. It replaced the old system where seeds 7-10 would miss the playoffs entirely. The Play-In has been part of every NBA postseason since then.
What is the difference between the Play-In and the playoffs?
The Play-In Tournament is a short mini-tournament (single games, not series) that determines which teams earn the #7 and #8 seeds in each conference. The main NBA Playoffs are best-of-7 series from First Round through the NBA Finals.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.