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When the NBA regular season concludes, the NBA Playoffs no longer begin immediately. Beginning in 2020, the NBA implemented play-in games used to determine the final participants in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Rather than the top eight teams automatically qualifying for the NBA Playoffs, the 7th through 10th seeds compete for the final two spots in each conference.
There has been criticism of the NBA Play-In Tournament, particularly by stars like LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, as well as Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Despite their grievances, the last two Play-In tournaments have provided NBA fans with some of the year’s most exciting games.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the NBA Play-In Tournament and how it will work!
Here’s a preview of the teams who are expected to compete in this year’s NBA Play-In. The regular season will end on April 10th and the participating teams are subject to change.
Follow WSN.com to get the most up-to-date news on the 2022 NBA Play-In!
The 2022 NBA Play-In Tournament will occur between April 12th and April 15th.
Play-In
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— NBA Spain (@NBAspain) August 16, 2020
The NBA Play-In Tournament showcases 6 total games and involves 8 teams, 4 from each of the NBA’s conferences.
The top 6 seeds in each conference qualify for guaranteed playoff positions, while the teams that finish 7th through 10th participate in the Play-In. The teams that finish with the 7th and 8th highest winning percentage during the regular season will have two opportunities to qualify for the NBA Playoffs.
Let’s take a look at how the games will work:
Year | Conference | Teams | Record | Games Played | Result |
2021 | East | Boston Celtics | 36-36 (.500) | Game 1 (def. WAS) | 7th Seed in East Playoffs |
East | Washington Wizards | 34-38 (.472) | Game 1 (lost BOS)
Game 3 (def. IND) |
8th Seed in East Playoffs | |
East | Indiana Pacers | 34-38 (.472) | Game 2 (def. CHO)
Game 3 (lost WAS) |
Eliminated | |
East | Charlotte Hornets | 33-39 (.458) | Game 2 (lost IND) | Eliminated | |
West | Los Angeles Lakers | 42-30 (.583) | Game 1 (def. GSW) | 7th Seed in West Playoffs | |
West | Memphis Grizzlies | 38-34 (.528) | Game 2 (def. SAS)
Game 3 (def. GSW) |
8th Seed in West Playoffs | |
West | Golden State Warriors | 39-33 (.542) | Game 1 (lost LAL)
Game 2 (lost MEM) |
Eliminated | |
West | San Antonio Spurs | 33-39 (.458) | Game 2 (lost MEM) | Eliminated | |
2020 | West | Portland Trail Blazers | 35-39 (.473) | Game 1 (def. MEM) | 8th Seed in West Playoffs |
West | Memphis Grizzlies | 34-39 (.466) | Game 1 (lost POR) | Eliminated |
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Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.
Email: [email protected]
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