What Is NBA Play-In Tournament? Who Will Play in the 2025 Play-In Tournament

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The NBA regular season has concluded, and the playoff and Play-In teams are now set. The Western Conference, in particular, remains as competitive as ever. Every game mattered. Golden State Warriors failed to finish on top 6 after losing to Los Angeles Clippers, which means they will now compete in the Play-in tournament to book the playoff spot.

As fans, this is one of the most exciting times of the season. But with all the movement, many still wonder:

What exactly is the NBA Play-In Tournament? And how does it work?

What is NBA Play-In Tournament?

The NBA Play-In Tournament is a mini playoff round before the actual NBA Playoffs begin. It gives more teams a chance to fight for the last two playoff spots in each conference. The tournament was introduced in 2020.

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How Does the NBA Play-In Tournament Work?

Each conference (East and West) has four teams in the Play-In Tournament — seeds 7 through 10.

Here’s how it works:

Seed 7 vs. Seed 8 Game

• The 7th and 8th seed play each other.
• The winner becomes the 7th seed in the playoffs.
• The loser gets another chance.

Seed 9 vs. Seed 10 Game

• The 9th and 10th seed play each other.
• The loser is eliminated.
• The winner moves on to face the loser of the 7 vs. 8 game.

Step 3: Final Play-In Game

• The winner of 9 vs. 10 plays the loser of 7 vs. 8.
• The winner of this game becomes the 8th seed in the playoffs.
• The loser is eliminated.

Which Teams Will Play in the NBA Play-In Tournament 2025?

Western Conference
(7) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies

(9) Sacramento Kings vs. (10) Dallas Mavericks

Eastern Conference
(7) Orlando Magic vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks

(9) Chicago Bulls vs. (10) Miami Heat

2025 NBA Play-In Schedule

Tuesday, April 15
Atlanta Hawks at Orlando Magic – 7:30 pm/ET
Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors – 10:00 pm/ET

Wednesday, April 16
Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls – 7:30 pm/ET
Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings – 10:00 pm/ET

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