The NBA regular season has officially wrapped up, and attention now turns to one of the most exciting lead-ups to the postseason: the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament. With playoff spots still up for grabs, teams ranked No. 7 through No. 10 in each conference will battle it out in a high-stakes, win-or-go-home format.
Here’s everything you need to know about the NBA Play-In Tournament, including the schedule, matchups, format, and how to watch.
When Does the NBA Play-In Tournament Start?
The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament tips off on Tuesday, April 14, and runs through Friday, April 17. Every game will be streamed exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, giving fans full access to all the action.
How the NBA Play-In Tournament Works
The Play-In Tournament determines the final two playoff seeds (No. 7 and No. 8) in each conference. The format is simple but intense:
- The No. 7 seed hosts the No. 8 seed. The winner secures the No. 7 playoff spot.
- The No. 9 seed faces the No. 10 seed in an elimination game. The loser is immediately eliminated.
- The loser of the 7 vs. 8 game then plays the winner of the 9 vs. 10 game.
- The winner of that final matchup earns the No. 8 seed in the playoffs.
This structure gives higher-seeded teams a slight advantage while still allowing lower seeds a path to the postseason.
NBA Play-In Tournament 2026 Schedule and Matchups
Tuesday, April 14
- East: No. 10 Miami Heat at No. 9 Charlotte Hornets – 7:30 p.m. ET
- West: No. 7 Phoenix Suns vs. No. 8 Portland Trail Blazers / No. 9 Los Angeles Clippers – 10:00 p.m. ET
Wednesday, April 15
- East: No. 8 Orlando Magic at No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers – 7:30 p.m. ET
- West: No. 10 Golden State Warriors at No. 9 Los Angeles Clippers / No. 8 Portland Trail Blazers – 10:00 p.m. ET
Friday, April 17
- East: No. 9/10 winner at No. 7/8 loser – 7:30 p.m. ET
- West: No. 9/10 winner at No. 7/8 loser – 7:30 p.m. ET
Winners of the final games on Friday will clinch the No. 8 seeds in their respective conferences.
NBA Play-In Tournament Teams and Standings
Eastern Conference
- No. 7: Philadelphia 76ers (45–37)
- No. 8: Orlando Magic (45–37)
- No. 9: Charlotte Hornets (44–38)
- No. 10: Miami Heat (43–39)
Western Conference
- No. 7: Phoenix Suns (44–37)
- No. 8: Portland Trail Blazers (41–40)
- No. 9: Los Angeles Clippers (41–40)
- No. 10: Golden State Warriors (37–44)
What’s at Stake?
The stakes could not be higher. Teams that advance will move on to the NBA Playoffs and face top-seeded opponents. In the Eastern Conference, that means potential matchups against the Detroit Pistons or Boston Celtics. In the Western Conference, teams could take on the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs.
How to Watch the NBA Play-In Tournament
Fans can stream every Play-In Tournament game live on Amazon Prime Video. With elimination games and playoff berths on the line, the Play-In Tournament promises intense, must-watch basketball from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
The NBA Play-In Tournament has quickly become one of the most thrilling additions to the league’s postseason structure. With everything on the line in just a few games, expect drama, standout performances, and unforgettable moments as teams fight to keep their championship hopes alive.