NBA Announces 2026 Play-In Tournament Schedule and Format

The National Basketball Association has released the schedule and format for the 2026 Play-In Tournament. The event, scheduled for April 14-17, 2026, will determine the seventh and eighth seeds for the NBA playoffs in each conference.

Tournament Format

The tournament involves the four teams that finish the regular season in 7th through 10th place in each conference. The format consists of three single-elimination games per conference:

• Game 1: The teams with the 7th and 8th best records play one game. The winner secures the 7th seed in the playoffs.
• Game 2: The teams with the 9th and 10th best records play one game. The loser is eliminated from postseason contention.
• Game 3: The winner of the 9th/10th-place game then plays the loser of the 7th/8th-place game. The winner of this final game secures the 8th seed in the playoffs, while the loser is eliminated.

Teams that finish the regular season in the top six positions in each conference automatically qualify for the playoffs and do not participate in the Play-In Tournament.

2026 Tournament Schedule

All games will be broadcast on Prime Video.

• April 14, 2026 (7:30 p.m. ET): Miami Heat at Charlotte Hornets (9th vs. 10th seeds)
• April 15, 2026 (7:30 p.m. ET): Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers (7th vs. 8th seeds)
• April 17, 2026 (7:30 p.m. ET): Winner of 9/10 game at loser of 7/8 game

• April 14, 2026 (10:00 p.m. ET): Portland Trail Blazers at Phoenix Suns (7th vs. 8th seeds)
• April 15, 2026 (10:00 p.m. ET): Golden State Warriors at LA Clippers (9th vs. 10th seeds)
• April 17, 2026 (10:00 p.m. ET): Winner of 9/10 game at loser of 7/8 game

Background and Historical Context

The NBA Play-In Tournament was introduced in 2020. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver advocated for its implementation. According to the league, the format was designed to maintain competitive incentives for more teams later in the regular season.

In the 2023 playoffs, the Miami Heat qualified as the 8th seed through the Play-In Tournament. After losing their initial 7th/8th-place game, they won the subsequent elimination game to enter the playoffs. The Heat then advanced to the 2023 NBA Finals.

Noted Participants

Players listed as participating on the teams involved in the 2026 tournament include Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers. Both players have previously won the NBA Most Valuable Player award.