NBA Play-in Tournament 2024: Schedule, Predictions, Standings

The NBA's play-in tournament is scheduled to begin at the end of the regular season, adding another layer to this final stretch of play as teams try to position themselves for a possible postseason push.

The play-in tournament was originally conducted during the 2020–21 NBA season and expanded the NBA's postseason to 20 teams (ten from each conference). The top six teams in each conference automatically qualify for the playoffs, while the seeds 7 through 10 enter the play-in tournament for a chance to extend their season.

The race for this season's play-in tournament is tight as teams look to avoid play-in altogether while others hope for at least one more shot at a playoff spot.

In the West, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers could be headed for a 9/10 single-elimination game against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. In the East, the fifth-place Orlando Magic and the eighth-place Miami Heat are separated by just two games as the season enters its final days.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2024 Play-in Tournament, including how it works, current status and possible matchups.

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Current status

The Bulls and Hawks have secured a spot in the 9-10 game.

The Lakers and Warriors are locked out of the play-in. You cannot take 6th place.

Through games from April 5th.

Wednesday's results

Thursday's games to watch

Planned encounters

Here's a look at what the 2024 play-in tournament would look like if the season ended today.

Eastern Conference

• No. 8 Heat at No. 7 76ers

• No. 10 Hawks and No. 9 Bulls

• Winner 9/10 vs. loser 7/8

Western Conference

• #8 Kings at #7 Suns

• No. 10 Warriors at No. 9 Lakers

• Winner 9/10 vs. loser 7/8

How does the NBA Play-in Tournament work?

The play-in tournament will feature a total of six games with eight teams split between the two conferences.

Teams finishing No. 1-6 in each conference are guaranteed playoff spots, while teams No. 7-10 overall advance to the play-ins. Any team that finishes worse than No. 10 will be entered into the NBA Draft lottery.

This is how the games work:

• Game 1 (Tuesday, April 16): The No. 7 team from each conference in the standings will host the No. 8 team, with the winner earning the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. The losing teams will get another chance in Game 3 on Friday.

• Game 2 (Wednesday, April 17): The No. 9 team in each conference hosts the No. 10 team, with the winner advancing to Game 3. The losers are eliminated and take part in the NBA draft lottery.

• Game 3 (Friday April 19): The losers of the No. 7 vs. No. 8 matchups host the winners of the No. 9 vs. No. 10 matchups, with the winners earning the No. 8 seed from each conference in the postseason. The losers of Game 3 will enter the NBA Draft lottery.

Under the format, teams with the seventh and eighth highest winning percentages have two opportunities to win a game to secure a spot in the playoffs, while teams with the ninth and 10th highest winning percentages must win two consecutive games to advance .